1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

The catastrophic flooding in Texas that tragically claimed the lives of more than 100 people, including many children, could have been prevented. However, this current Republican administration imposed drastic staffing and funding cuts to the National Weather Service and NOAA, the government entities which provide timely flood warnings. This Republican administration cut programs that could have saved children’s lives. This degradation of forecasting capabilities has left communities vulnerable and without adequate warning of the imminent danger. With more flooding expected, and hurricane season on us, how many more unnecessary deaths will there be due to inadequate warnings? It is unacceptable that these cuts, not based on research or deliberation, have swept these families into loss and grief. We cannot allow politics to compromise public safety in such a devastating manner. My wife and I urge you to take immediate action. Break with the administration to fully restore funding and staffing levels at the NWS and NOAA.