Protect NOAA Funding for Critical Climate and Ocean Research

Today I take pen in hand to urge you in the strongest possible terms to oppose continued budget cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), particularly in the areas of climate and ocean science. The overall proposed budget of $4.5 billion for fiscal 2026 represents a staggering 27% decrease from the current budget, which would severely undermine our nation's scientific capabilities and preparedness for climate-related challenges. The fiscal 2025 spending plan approved by the White House would reduce NOAA's overall budget by approximately $239 million, with the National Ocean Service and Oceanic and Atmospheric Research office facing the largest decreases. These cuts would severely hamper NOAA's ability to conduct vital climate research and maintain our nation's leadership in understanding and addressing climate change. This will put people in harm’s way, not knowing what’s going to hit them. The proposal to eliminate the research office entirely is especially alarming, as it would deprive us of critical data and insights necessary for informed decision-making on climate policy. The National Marine Fisheries Service and NOAA's National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service are also slated for budget reductions. There are so many aspects of our shipping and fishing industries that rely on these critical services. There are no alternatives. These cuts would seriously impair our ability to manage fisheries sustainably and monitor environmental conditions effectively. John Potts, a former NOAA budget director, warns that these changes will significantly hinder NOAA's mission and program execution, particularly in areas focused on weather and climate research, climate resilience, fisheries management, and geomagnetic storm detection. These are real things, with real consequences if ignored. These shortsighted budget cuts and clawbacks will absolutely hamstring our ability to understand, predict, and mitigate the impacts of climate change. I don’t understand why Republicans would go along with this. It won’t save much money, and it will simply add to the burden of the outcome of disasters yet to come. The consequences of underfunding climate and ocean science will be felt for generations to come. I urge you to oppose these additional cuts, an d take immediate action to protect NOAA's budget and preserve our nation's critical climate and ocean science capabilities. Thank you.