1. United States
2. N.J.
3. Letter

The Trump administration is moving forward with plans to dismantle most of the Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI), a $368 million network of more than 900 instruments that has collected crucial data on ocean temperatures, currents, marine ecosystems, and other conditions that influence weather, fisheries, and the global climate since 2016. Because many environmental changes unfold over decades, Congress authorized and funded the OOI as a long-term scientific project, with the expectation that it would operate for 30 years. Scientists say that dismantling much of this deep-sea infrastructure after only 10 years undermines critical research and diminishes our nation’s standing as a global leader in science. The decision also comes amid a broader effort to reduce federal funding for scientific research. The White House has already proposed cutting more than half of the National Science Foundation’s budget, raising concerns that long-term climate and environmental monitoring programs are being systematically targeted. 
 The OOI was funded because understanding our oceans is vital to the nation’s economy, public safety, and scientific leadership. Congress should exercise its oversight authority to ensure that congressionally funded ocean monitoring programs remain operational.