Congressman Sorensen Helps Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Fully Staff National Weather Service Offices Across the Country

Congressmen Eric Sorensen (IL-17), Mike Flood (NE-1), Jared Moskowitz (FL-23), Frank Lucas (OK-3), and Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) introduced their bipartisan Weather Workforce Improvement Act to help the National Weather Service (NWS) fully staff critical positions at their offices as the country prepares for severe weather and hurricanes this summer.

“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.”

NWS offices across the country are struggling with staff shortages and job cuts, leading to canceled weather balloon launches and offices without 24/7 staffing. This legislation will allow the NWS to quickly and fully staff their offices with meteorologists, general physical scientists, hydrologists, computer specialists, and electronic technicians in the immediate future. These NWS employees would be designated as “public safety employees” to protect them from any future cuts.

Congressman Sorensen has been a fierce advocate for protecting and strengthening the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the NWS from cuts. Starting last year, he has been warning about the impact of Project 2025’s plans to dismantle and privatize NOAA and the NWS. As the Department of Government Efficiency began making massive cuts to the agencies, Congressman Sorensen has been speaking out, introducing legislation, and calling on the Administration to bring a stop to the disastrous cuts.