1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

I urge you to take action to restore staffing levels at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The recent dismissals and planned layoffs of nearly 20% of NOAA's workforce pose a serious threat to the agency's ability to provide life-saving weather forecasts and carry out critical environmental monitoring. With hurricane season approaching, it is imperative that NOAA maintains sufficient staffing to accurately predict severe storms and issue timely warnings. The loss of over 2,300 employees has already led to the suspension of essential activities like weather balloon launches. Further cuts could cripple NOAA's forecasting capabilities, putting lives and property at risk. Additionally, NOAA plays a vital role in tracking climate change, managing fisheries, and protecting endangered species. Gutting the agency's workforce would undermine its ability to fulfill these crucial responsibilities. NOAA's work is invaluable to public safety, environmental protection, and scientific understanding. Restoring its staffing levels should be an urgent priority to maintain the integrity of this essential agency. I implore you to take immediate action to reverse these harmful cuts and ensure NOAA remains fully operational.