1. United States
2. Va.
3. Letter

The cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) pose a severe risk to public safety and economic well-being across the nation. NOAA plays a crucial role in monitoring and forecasting weather patterns, tracking storms, and providing vital information to protect lives and property. The proposed workforce reductions of nearly 20% could severely hamper the agency's ability to accurately predict and respond to severe weather events like tornadoes and hurricanes, putting communities in harm's way. Additionally, NOAA's research supports critical sectors such as agriculture and marine commerce, with farm reports and maritime forecasts informing decision-making that underpins economic productivity. These cuts threaten to undermine our national preparedness and resilience in the face of increasingly unpredictable weather driven by climate change. Robust funding and staffing for NOAA are essential to safeguarding public safety and minimizing the immense costs associated with natural disasters. We urge reconsideration of these misguided cuts that imperil the well-being of all Americans.