Reps. Cherfilus-McCormick and Wasserman Schultz Lead Florida Democrats in Urging NOAA Restoration Ahead of Hurricane Season
Washington, D.C. ─ Today, Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20) and Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) led the Florida Democratic delegation in urging Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to reverse recent staffing cuts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Weather Service (NWS) as Florida enters hurricane season.
Due to the Trump-era DOGE initiative, NOAA has laid off approximately 20% of its workforce—including 9% of the NWS staff. These sweeping reductions come at a dangerous time, undermining the ability of meteorologists to monitor and respond to severe weather. The cuts have resulted in delayed weather balloon launches, critical staffing shortages at Gulf Coast NWS offices, and the elimination of overnight shifts—jeopardizing the timely delivery of life-saving storm tracking data.
“These sudden firings at NOAA and NWS directly endanger the health and safety of my constituents and all Floridians,” said Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20). “Florida is one of the most hurricane-prone states in the nation. Our families, emergency responders, and local governments rely on NOAA and NWS for accurate, real-time information. Slashing these agencies just as storm season begins is both reckless and dangerous. I’m proud to stand with my Florida colleagues in demanding these job cuts be reversed immediately.”
“The Trump Administration’s cruel, short-sighted decision to push out NOAA’s critical weather forecasters, data scientists, and storm modelers – just weeks before hurricane season – shows a callous disregard for the safety of all Floridians,” said Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25). “These are the very experts whose work guides local officials, emergency managers, and families on when to evacuate, when to seek shelter, and how to protect their homes and businesses. Cutting them loose is not just short-sighted, it’s dangerous.”
“The beginning of Hurricane season always stirs a rush into the hearts of South Floridians, especially many of the coastal communities I represent,” said Congresswoman Fredrica Wilson (FL-24). “The firings at the National Weather Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are nothing short of outrageous and reckless—especially for South Florida, which sits on the frontlines of hurricane season year after year. When a storm is brewing, families across our region turn to these centers and services for real-time updates, life-saving alerts, and clear guidance on how to stay safe. Who does this administration expect residents to turn to in these moments of crisis if we allow the very institutions that safeguard us to be gutted? These firings only weaken our emergency response, undermine public safety, and leave Florida more vulnerable at the exact moment we should be strengthening our defenses.”
“We are deeply alarmed by the recent workforce cuts at NOAA and the National Weather Service under the DOGE initiative,” said Congressman Darren Soto (FL-09). “These reductions pose an unacceptable risk to hurricane preparedness and emergency response efforts in Florida. With our state facing increasingly severe and frequent storms, we cannot afford to weaken our frontline defense. All cuts to NOAA and NWS must be immediately reversed, and hiring freezes lifted to ensure Florida communities remain protected and informed.”
“When I was Director of Emergency Management in Florida, I saw firsthand the critical role that NOAA and the National Weather Service play preparing for hurricanes and other disasters,” said Congressman Jared Moskowitz (FL-23). “Putting these agencies at risk puts public safety at risk. That’s why I introduced bipartisan legislation to fill critical vacancies at NOAA and the NWS, and it’s why I’m proud to join my Florida colleagues pushing to lift hiring freezes and restore all cuts at the agencies. With hurricane season already here, Florida can’t afford for NOAA and the National Weather Service to be anything but fully equipped with what they need.”
“Hurricane season already is dangerous and anxiety-inducing enough without Elon Musk’s DOGE cuts undermining the resources and specialists we rely on to keep Floridians safe,” said Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14). “Gutting NOAA and NWS, cutting forecasters and grounding hurricane hunters leaves our communities vulnerable and uninformed while storms grow more frequent, more severe and more costly. Sec. Lutnick rightfully acknowledged the Trump Administration’s grave error in haphazardly firing essential NOAA and NWS workers. However, much more must be done to lower the risks and costs of the climate crisis and the extreme events tied to it. Firing essential problem-solvers and public servants ends up costing Floridians more.”
Read the full letter here.