Congressional leaders from both parties have joined forces to address critical staffing shortages at the National Weather Service just as hurricane and severe weather season ramps up. The newly introduced Weather Workforce Improvement Act aims to give the agency direct hiring authority, enabling faster recruitment of meteorologists, technicians, and other key personnel. Lawmakers stress that understaffing has forced NWS offices to scale back forecasting operations, posing risks to public safety. The bipartisan effort also designates these employees as “public safety employees,” shielding them from future job cuts and ensuring vital weather updates remain uninterrupted for communities nationwide.
“Severe weather affects both blue states and red states, and ensuring Americans have access to reliable and accurate weather forecasting is something everyone should support regardless of their political affiliation,” said Congressman Sorensen. “Right now, critical staffing shortages at National Weather Service offices across the country are jeopardizing lives as the agency has no choice but to scale back essential forecasting operations. I’m grateful for Congressman Flood’s partnership on bipartisan legislation that will help fully staff National Weather Service offices across the country during severe weather and hurricane season.”
“The National Weather Service has long provided critical weather data and forecasts used by the media and public across the United States.,” said Congressman Flood. “Granting them direct hiring authority will ensure that previous and future workforce shortages can be addressed quickly, helping to minimize disruptions. Thank you to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their support of this legislation and I look forward to working together to ensure that the agency continues to deliver the forecasts Americans rely on every day.”
“Hurricane season is here, and the National Weather Service is facing critical workforce shortages,” said Congressman Moskowitz. “Filling gaps at this agency is a public safety priority, and through this bipartisan bill, we can be sure it has the meteorologists, technicians, and other staff it needs to keep Florida communities safe and prepared.”
“The staff of the National Weather Service work 24/7/365 to monitor severe weather outbreaks and warn people across the entire nation before disaster strikes.,” said Congressman Lucas. “I’m proud to support this bill which will fill critical staffing needs and alleviate the strains placed on current employees performing public safety mission functions.”
“A robust workforce at the National Weather Service is essential to delivering timely and accurate forecasts that protect our communities and families.,” said Congressman Panetta. “The Weather Workforce Improvements Act would strengthen the weather service by improving hiring tools, recognizing its public safety mission, and prioritizing employee morale. I’m proud to co-lead this bipartisan, commonsense legislation to ensure that communities in California’s 19th Congressional District and across the country can continue to rely on the NWS.”
