; and (2) by amending subsection (j) to read as follows: (j) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated $45,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2028 to carry out the activities under this section. . 502. National Integrated Drought Information System (a) In general Section 3 of the National Integrated Drought Information System Act of 2006 ( 15 U.S.C. 313d ) is amended— (1) in subsection (b)— (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) in subparagraph (A), by striking and after the semicolon; (ii) in subparagraph (B), by inserting and after the semicolon; and (iii) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (C) incorporates flash drought research and tools to enhance timely response; ; (B) in paragraph (5), by striking and after the semicolon; (C) in paragraph (6)— (i) by inserting (including ecological drought) after drought each place it appears; and (ii) by striking the period and inserting a semicolon; and (D) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs: (7) advance and deploy next generation technologies related to drought and related publicly available data, such as monitoring, preparedness, and forecasting capabilities utilizing artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cloud technologies; and (8) utilize observational networks, including the National Weather Service cooperative observer program and State or regional hydrological monitoring projects, and refine drought indicators across a variety of spatial and temporal scales for decision-support products by optimizing data and resources from across the Federal Government, including snowpack, soil moisture, groundwater, and rapid intensification data. ; (2) in subsection (c)— (A) in paragraph (2), by striking and after the semicolon; (B) in paragraph (3), by striking the period and inserting ; and