Rep. Flood & Bipartisan Coalition Introduce Legislation Speeding National Weather Service Hiring
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Mike Flood (R-NE) along with Rep. Frank Lucas (R-OK), Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-FL), Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), and Rep. Eric Sorensen (D-IL), introduced the Weather Workforce Improvement Act, a bill reinforcing the public safety mission of the National Weather Service (NWS) and granting the NWS temporary direct hiring authority for positions relating to public safety.
“The National Weather Service has long provided critical weather data and forecasts used by the media and public across the United States. 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,” said Rep. Flood
The act reinforces the public safety mission of NWS. It also grants NWS direct hiring for the following positions: Meteorologists, general physical scientists, hydrologists, computer specialists, and electronic technicians. The bill would also authorize a report on staffing levels as well as health and wellbeing.
In recent years across both the Biden and Trump administrations, the NWS has experienced staffing shortages.
A copy of the legislation can be found here. Video from a media availability Rep. Flood hosted on the legislation can be found here.
“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. 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,” said Rep. Lucas.
“Hurricane season is here, and the National Weather Service is facing critical workforce shortages. 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,” said Rep. Moskowitz.
“A robust workforce at the National Weather Service is essential to delivering timely and accurate forecasts that protect our communities and families. 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,” said Rep. Panetta.
“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. 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,” said Rep. Sorensen.
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