1. United States
2. Iowa
3. Letter

The situation at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is becoming increasingly dire due to the Trump administration's severe budget cuts and workforce reductions. Hundreds of probationary employees, including climate scientists and policy experts, have been caught in a cycle of firings, reinstatements, and re-firings, creating immense personal and professional turmoil. This upheaval, combined with proposed budget cuts of over $1.7 billion and the elimination of crucial research programs, threatens to undermine NOAA's ability to provide reliable weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and coastal resource management. The loss of dedicated scientific personnel and the erosion of NOAA's research capabilities will have far-reaching consequences. Without continual advancements in areas like hurricane track forecasting and ocean acidification research, public safety and environmental stewardship will be compromised. Furthermore, the administration's actions signal a disregard for climate science and a lack of commitment to preparing for the challenges posed by a changing climate. I urge you to take decisive action to protect NOAA's funding and workforce. This agency plays a vital role in safeguarding American lives and livelihoods, and its continued ability to fulfill this mission is paramount. Allowing political agendas to undermine NOAA's scientific integrity and institutional capacity would be a disservice to the nation. I implore you to reject the proposed budget cuts and workforce reductions, and instead work to ensure that NOAA remains a robust, scientifically-grounded institution capable of meeting the environmental challenges of the present and future.