Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Congresswoman Val Hoyle (OR-04), and Congressman Joe Neguse (CO-02) led 27 of their House colleagues in sending a letter to the House Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies requesting that Congress fund the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) at a level of at least $605 million in the upcoming appropriations package. This comes after President Trump attempted to cut all funding to OAR in his proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget. This funding would allow OAR to continue its critical mission to prepare communities in Texas and across the country for life-threatening natural disasters and to keep the U.S. at the forefront of atmospheric and oceanic research and science.

"Without OAR, NOAA would be unable to fulfill its core mission: to understand and predict changes in climate, weather, oceans, and coasts; to share that knowledge and information with others; and to conserve and responsibly manage coastal and marine ecosystems and resources," the members wrote. "NOAA OAR helps American communities prepare to face extreme weather events. As hurricane season quickly approaches, OAR's advancements in predicting extreme weather events are more important than ever. The research and data resulting from the OAR Hurricane Research Division's partnership with the U.S. National Hurricane Center have saved countless lives and nearly $5 billion per major U.S. hurricane landfall."

"Stronger science for forecasting severe weather and communicating impacts will protect communities and save lives," the members continued. "Robust funding will enable NOAA and its research institution partners to continue their long and proud history of partnering with industries and other government agencies to provide that cutting-edge research."

To read the full text of the letter, click here.