Before heading home to their drought-parched districts, Reps. Ralph Hall (R-Texas) and Dan Boren (D-Okla.) introduced legislation to keep a key drought information system operating.

The National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) acts as a data clearinghouse, bringing together information from across the federal government. It operates the U.S. Drought Portal, a website that features a variety of drought-related services, including data on past droughts and decision support services for managing current droughts. NIDIS has also developed and operates four pilot projects for regional drought early warning systems.

The program's authorization expires this year. H.R. 6489, introduced by Hall and Boren on Friday, would extend authorization through 2017, allotting $13.5 million for the program each year. The program is run by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Climate Program Office.

A record-high 54 percent of the country is experiencing dry conditions with 34 percent of the nation in severe drought or worse, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor.

Hall, the chairman of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, and Boren represent adjacent districts in the eastern sections of their respective states.