Overview

• Jacobs affirmed support for President Trump’s proposed 27% cut to NOAA’s budget and defended transitioning research roles into operations to sustain core services.
• He pledged that filling more than 3,000 current vacancies at National Weather Service offices will be a top priority if he secures confirmation.
• Senators from both parties pressed Jacobs on the effects of staffing shortfalls and the Department of Defense’s suspension of satellite data feeds on forecast accuracy after deadly floods in Texas and New Mexico.
• In response to renewed questions about the 2019 Sharpiegate incident, Jacobs said he would refuse to sign off on an inaccurate statement under political pressure.
• Lawmakers sought assurances that NOAA’s climate science programs will be preserved despite a White House plan to eliminate its Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research.