1. United States
2. Fla.
3. Letter

The Department of the Interior is facing severe budgetary constraints that are jeopardizing critical operations. Wildlife conservation efforts are being undermined, with the National Black-Footed Ferret Conservation Center at risk of losing power during breeding season due to inability to pay utility bills. Routine water safety testing for contaminants has been disrupted in some regions. Hiring freezes and job cuts are decimating the ranks of biologists working on endangered species recovery and climate science programs. This threatens to leave the nation ill-prepared to respond to natural disasters and study environmental changes. Federal maintenance workers cannot access funds to repair equipment monitoring water flows vital for flood prediction. Search and rescue operations in national parks are being hampered. These reckless cuts are crippling the Interior Department's ability to fulfill its congressionally mandated responsibilities to steward public lands, conserve wildlife, and conduct critical scientific research. Maintaining proper funding levels is essential to preserve America's natural heritage and safeguard public welfare. Laying off skilled personnel, especially early-career scientists, will create expertise gaps that undermine the department's future capacity. I urge you to take immediate action to restore adequate budgets and staffing so the Interior Department can carry out its vital mission effectively. Short-term cost-cutting will lead to long-term harm if allowed to continue unchecked.