Rep. Mike Flood, U.S. Representative for Nebraska's 1st District | Ballotpedia
Rep. Mike Flood, U.S. Representative for Nebraska's 1st District | Ballotpedia
Today in Washington, D.C., a bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced the Weather Workforce Improvement Act. The legislation aims to address staffing shortages at the National Weather Service (NWS) by granting temporary direct hiring authority for positions related to public safety.
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), are spearheading the bill. "The National Weather Service has long provided critical weather data and forecasts used by the media and public across the United States," said Rep. Flood, emphasizing the importance of addressing workforce shortages to minimize disruptions.
The act grants NWS direct hiring authority for meteorologists, general physical scientists, hydrologists, computer specialists, and electronic technicians. It also calls for a report on staffing levels and employee health and wellbeing.
Staffing shortages have been an issue for NWS during both the Biden and Trump administrations. The bill seeks to alleviate these challenges by ensuring adequate staffing levels are maintained.
Rep. Lucas expressed his support: "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." He highlighted how this legislation would help fill critical staffing needs.
With hurricane season underway, Rep. Moskowitz noted that addressing workforce gaps is a public safety priority: "Through this bipartisan bill, we can be sure it has the meteorologists, technicians, and other staff it needs to keep Florida communities safe."
Rep. Panetta added that a robust workforce is essential for timely forecasts: "I’m proud to co-lead this bipartisan, commonsense legislation."
Rep. Sorensen emphasized that severe weather affects all states: "Right now, critical staffing shortages at National Weather Service offices across the country are jeopardizing lives."
The proposed legislation underscores a commitment from both sides of the aisle to support NWS's mission in providing reliable weather forecasts nationwide.
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