The recent tragedy in Central Texas—where 82 lives were lost, including 28 children at summer camps, and dozens remain missing—was not solely a natural disaster. It was a preventable catastrophe, exacerbated by years of budget cuts and workforce reductions at critical agencies like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the National Weather Service (NWS), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Under the Trump administration, these agencies have suffered devastating setbacks. NOAA has lost approximately 10% of its workforce—around 1,300 staffers and researchers—and faces proposed cuts of an additional 17%, or more than 2,000 personnel. Weather research funding has been slashed, and FEMA has seen a 20% reduction in full-time staff, with efforts underway to freeze its funding and phase out its operations entirely.
These cuts have real, deadly consequences. Key forecasting positions were vacant during these floods, and numerous former NWS officials warned that the absence of experienced personnel likely hindered coordination with local authorities and delayed life-saving communications. We cannot live like this.
As your constituent, I urge you to have Congress:
• Hold hearings to investigate the federal response to the Texas floods.
• Use your oversight authority to demand answers about the impact of staffing and funding cuts.
• Restore and increase funding for NOAA, NWS, and FEMA to ensure they can fulfill their missions.
• Legislate to protect and modernize our national weather and disaster response systems.
The American people deserve a government that prioritizes their safety over tax breaks for the wealthiest individuals and corporations. Please do your job to protect life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness by ensuring that our nation is prepared for the challenges ahead.
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