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19h ago

NOAA Nominee Pledges Forecast Leadership as Congress Weighs Probe into Weather Service Cuts

Neil Jacobs told senators he will restore U.S. forecasting capabilities following a proposed $2 billion budget reduction that would shutter key research labs.

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Flood waters left debris including vehicles and equipment scattered in Louise Hays Park on July 5, 2025 in Kerrville, Texas.
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Overview

  • The administration’s FY2026 budget request would cut NOAA funding by $2 billion to $4.5 billion and eliminate over two dozen meteorology and oceanographic research labs.
  • Sen. Chuck Schumer and Rep. Eric Swalwell have called for congressional inquiries into whether staffing vacancies hindered last-mile coordination of flood warnings during the July 4 Texas disaster.
  • NOAA and National Weather Service officials insist that all flood watches and warnings were issued with ample lead time and that San Angelo and San Antonio forecast offices had extra personnel on duty.
  • Former NOAA administrator Rick Spinrad and other experts warn that vacancies in critical roles—especially the warning coordination meteorologist in Austin/San Antonio—may have disrupted communication with emergency managers.
  • At his confirmation hearing, Neil Jacobs outlined plans to partner with industry, deploy novel technologies and expedite hiring to reclaim U.S. leadership in global weather modeling.