To establish a tropical cyclone reconnaissance, surveillance, and research program under the joint control of the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Commerce.

Directs the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Commerce to establish a five-year joint program for collecting operational and reconnaissance data, conducting research, and analyzing data on tropical cyclones to assist the forecast and warning program and increase the understanding of the causes and behavior of tropical cyclones. Sets forth the responsibilities of each Secretary.

Directs those Secretaries to jointly develop and submit to the Congress management plans for: (1) the program established by this Act; and (2) continued tropical cyclone surveillance and reconnaissance which will adequately protect the citizens of U.S. coastal areas.