- United States
- Kan.
- Letter
I am writing to express my deep concern and strong opposition to the ongoing budget cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). These reductions are not just budgetary adjustments—they represent a direct threat to public safety.
When NOAA lacks the funding to launch basic weather balloons, how can we expect accurate forecasts or timely warnings for severe weather? These tools are critical for predicting hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and wildfires. Slashing staff and resources at NOAA puts lives at risk, especially in rural and coastal communities that depend on early warning systems to prepare and evacuate.
Even more troubling is the growing conversation about privatizing weather services. Monetizing public safety is a dangerous path. Turning forecasts into premium services will create a system where only those who can afford it are protected. Weather data must remain freely and openly available to all Americans.
This is a matter of priorities. Instead of gutting vital agencies like NOAA, Congress should take bold steps to address our revenue problem. Tax the ultra-wealthy. Tax the largest corporations that exploit loopholes and avoid paying their fair share. It is unacceptable to balance the budget on the backs of hardworking Americans while billionaires and big businesses hoard wealth and power.
I urge you to turn the funding back on for NOAA and publicly defend its mission. Stand up for science, public safety, and equity. Reinforce the idea that government can and should protect its people—not sell them forecasts or leave them in the dark.