The invention provides a gas protection welding wire for high-strength weathering steel and steel for the gas protection welding wire. The steel for the gas protection welding wire comprises 0.015-0.08% of C, 0.70-1.50% of Mn, 0.20-0.80% of Si, 0.50-1.30% of Ni, 0.1-0.4% of Cu, 0.03-0.10% of Nb, 0.20% or less of Cr, 0.015% or less of S and 0.020% or less of P. The welding wire comprises 0.015-0.08% of C, 0.70-1.50% of Mn, 0.20-0.80% of Si, 0.50-1.30% of Ni, 0.15-0.50% of Cu, 0.03-0.10% of Nb, 0.20% or less of Cr, 0.015% or less of S and 0.020% or less of P. A copper plating layer is arranged on the surface of the welding wire, and the content of Cu accounts for 0.05-0.25% of the total weight of the welding wire. The welding wire is used for welding of steel of 600 MPa; when 80% Ar and 20% CO2 protection is adopted, deposited metal ReL is larger than or equal to 500 MPa, Rm is larger than or equal to 600 MPa, A is larger than or equal to 25%, and AKv at the temperature below -40 DEG C is larger than or equal to 40 J. The welding wire has the excellent welding technological performance, and is stable in welding arc, small in splashing, free of air hole, attractive in appearance and applicable to all-position welding.