Support S.4822 and Preserve the Ocean Observatories Initiative

I am writing as your constituent to urge you to support S.4822, the Saving the OOI Act of 2026, which has already passed the Senate and is currently before the House for consideration. This bill addresses a critical issue facing American science and ocean research. S.4822 prohibits the National Science Foundation from using federal funds to descope or decommission the Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI) instruments. The OOI represents a vital investment in our nation's scientific infrastructure, providing unprecedented data on ocean conditions, climate patterns, and marine ecosystems. It i The Ocean Observatories Initiative has proven invaluable for: Climate research and understanding long-term ocean trends essential to predicting future environmental changes Disaster preparedness through improved monitoring of ocean conditions that affect coastal communities Scientific discovery that drives innovation and positions the United States as a leader in oceanographic research Economic benefits to communities that depend on understanding ocean health and marine resources The decision to cut or scale back these instruments would undermine years of critical scientific work and compromise our ability to monitor and understand changes to our oceans. Now is the moment to act—this bill has passed the Senate and awaits House action. I urge you to vote yes on S.4822 and support the continuation of this essential scientific infrastructure. Our nation's scientific capabilities and our understanding of the ocean depend on it. Thank you for your consideration and service.