1. United States
2. Fla.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my profound concern regarding reports of potential additional workforce reductions at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). I am particularly alarmed about the impact these cuts could have on two critical components of NOAA: the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS) and the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR). As you know, NOAA's mission is vital to our national security, economic prosperity, and environmental well-being. The agency provides essential services that protect lives and property, support maritime commerce, and help us understand and steward our ocean and atmospheric resources. NESDIS operates America's environmental satellites, which are crucial for: • Weather forecasting and severe storm prediction that saves countless lives annually • Climate monitoring and research to inform long-term planning and adaptation • Supporting national defense and homeland security operations • Monitoring natural disasters and coordinating emergency response Meanwhile, OAR conducts the foundational research that enables NOAA to fulfill its mission, including: • Developing next-generation weather and climate models • Advancing our understanding of ocean acidification and its impacts on fisheries • Researching emerging environmental threats and developing mitigation strategies • Creating new technologies for environmental monitoring and prediction Any significant reduction in NESDIS or OAR personnel would severely undermine these critical functions, potentially leaving Americans more vulnerable to extreme weather events, compromising our climate research capabilities, and hindering economic sectors that depend on accurate environmental intelligence. I strongly urge you to: - Investigate illegal staffing reductions that already happened at NOAA - Ensure adequate funding for NOAA in upcoming appropriations - Support legislation that strengthens NOAA's workforce and infrastructure - Engage DOC leadership about maintaining robust staffing in these essential areas The work of NOAA scientists and staff represents a crucial investment in our nation's future. We simply cannot afford to diminish these capabilities at a time when environmental challenges are growing increasingly complex. Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. I would appreciate hearing your position on this issue and what actions you plan to take to support NOAA's mission and workforce.