House Democrats Demand Action on National Weather Service Staffing
In a letter addressed to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, House Democrats on the Science, Space and Technology Committee have called for immediate action to address staffing shortages at the National Weather Service (NWS). The letter, sent on Wednesday, highlights the critical role of the NWS in providing accurate and timely weather forecasts and warnings to protect the lives and property of Americans.
The letter, signed by Committee Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson and other Democratic members, expresses concern over the current staffing levels at the NWS and the impact it has on the agency’s ability to fulfill its mission. It states, “We write to you to demand your testimony before the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology regarding staff shortages at the National Weather Service (NWS) and your plan to address this issue.”
The NWS is responsible for providing weather forecasts, warnings, and advisories to the public, as well as supporting the nation’s economy through the provision of critical weather information to industries such as aviation, agriculture, and energy. However, the agency has been facing staffing shortages for several years, which have only been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The letter highlights the fact that the NWS has lost nearly 700 employees since 2017, with many of them being highly trained and experienced meteorologists. This has resulted in increased workloads for the remaining staff, leading to burnout and reduced morale. As a result, the agency has been struggling to maintain its high standards of accuracy and timeliness in weather forecasting.
In addition, the letter points out that the NWS has been operating under a hiring freeze since 2019, which has further exacerbated the staffing shortage. This has also hindered the agency’s ability to fill critical positions, such as those in the National Hurricane Center and the Storm Prediction Center, which are vital for providing accurate and timely severe weather warnings.
The House Democrats are calling for Secretary Lutnick to appear before the Committee to address these issues and provide a plan to address the NWS staffing shortage. They are also requesting information on the impact of the hiring freeze and the agency’s plans to fill critical positions.
The letter also emphasizes the importance of investing in the NWS and its workforce to ensure the agency can continue to provide high-quality weather services to the American public. It states, “It is imperative that we invest in the NWS and its workforce to ensure the agency can continue to fulfill its critical mission of protecting lives and property.”
The House Democrats are also urging the Commerce Department to work with Congress to provide the necessary resources to address the NWS staffing shortage. They note that the House has already passed legislation to address this issue, and it is now up to the Senate and the Administration to take action.
In conclusion, the letter serves as a wake-up call to the Commerce Department and the Administration to take immediate action to address the staffing shortages at the National Weather Service. It highlights the critical role of the NWS in protecting the lives and property of Americans and urges the government to invest in the agency’s workforce to ensure it can continue to fulfill its mission. The House Democrats are committed to working with the Administration to find a solution and ensure that the NWS has the resources it needs to provide accurate and timely weather services to the American public.
