1. United States
2. Nev.
3. Letter

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) plays a vital role in monitoring weather patterns, natural disasters, and climate change, as well as managing the nation's fisheries and marine sanctuaries. NOAA's work is crucial for public safety, environmental protection, and supporting various economic sectors. The proposed job cuts of over 1,000 positions, amounting to 10% of NOAA's workforce, would severely undermine the agency's ability to carry out its essential missions. Such drastic reductions in staffing and resources could lead to degraded weather forecasting capabilities, hindering preparedness for severe storms and other natural hazards. This would put lives and property at risk. Furthermore, diminished monitoring of ocean conditions and fisheries could have adverse effects on marine ecosystems and industries reliant on them. It is imperative that NOAA maintains robust funding and staffing to fulfill its critical responsibilities effectively. The preservation of NOAA's capabilities should be a priority to safeguard public well-being, economic interests, and environmental stewardship.