news

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) sent a letter to Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick, rebuking the Trump Administration for exacting mass layoffs at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Over the last month and a half, some of the hundreds of employees fired from NOAA have expressed deep concern about the nation’s capacity to predict and prepare for hurricanes and other extreme weather events.

Tonko’s letter demands that Secretary Lutnick reverse these dangerous cuts and act to ensure that the agency is able to adequately and effectively keep communities safe.

“Undermining NOAA’s capabilities jeopardizes lives, livelihoods, and our nation’s resilience,” Tonko’s letter reads. “NOAA’s work is not just about science—it is essential to public safety, national security, and economic stability. In my district, NOAA’s impact is especially significant. The National Weather Service office in Albany, New York provides critical forecasting that protects lives, supports local industries, and strengthens emergency preparedness. These contributions are irreplaceable, and any reductions would have far-reaching consequences for my constituents and communities nationwide. The American people deserve a science-driven, transparent approach to weather forecasting, climate research, and emergency preparedness.”

Tonko has worked for years to bolster the nation’s extreme weather preparedness. He joined his Republican colleague Stephanie Bice (R-OK) last Congress to introduce the National Mesonet Reauthorization Act, a bill that improves coverage and accuracy of the current National Mesonet program, a key part of preparedness, and response to extreme weather. The legislation passed through the House last Congress as part of the Weather Act Reauthorization Act with sweeping bipartisan support last Congress.

The full letter can be read HERE and below:

March 5th, 2025 

The Honorable Howard Lutnick  
Secretary of Commerce  
U.S. Department of Commerce  
1401 Constitution Avenue NW  
Washington, D.C. 20230 

Dear Secretary Lutnick, 

I am writing to express outrage over the reported mass layoffs at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) that will severely undermine its ability to serve the American public. NOAA plays a vital role in public safety, economic security, and scientific leadership. Any actions by the administration to slash NOAA’s budget, reduce its workforce, or eliminate key initiatives—including those that promote broader participation in the sciences—will have devastating consequences. Undermining NOAA’s capabilities jeopardizes lives, livelihoods, and our nation’s resilience. I strongly urge you to reverse these workforce reductions and oppose any budget or program cuts that will diminish the agency’s critical functions. 

NOAA’s forecasting and research are indispensable to industries ranging from aviation and agriculture to shipping and fisheries. The agency tracks extreme weather, issues early warnings for hurricanes, and monitors climate patterns that influence everything from crop yields to disaster response. NOAA’s work is not just about science—it is essential to public safety, national security, and economic stability. 

In my district, NOAA’s impact is especially significant. The National Weather Service office in Albany, New York provides critical forecasting that protects lives, supports local industries, and strengthens emergency preparedness. The New York State Mesonet partners with NOAA to collect real-time data on temperature, humidity, wind, and atmospheric pressure—essential tools for storm predictions, disaster response, and electricity reliability. Additionally, for over 40 years, NOAA has invested in the Hudson River, advancing scientific research, conservation, and public education. These contributions are irreplaceable, and any reductions would have far-reaching consequences for my constituents and communities nationwide. 

Given NOAA’s essential role, I request responses to these questions by March 19th, 2025: 

• Has NOAA conducted an impact assessment of these workforce reductions? If so, please provide that analysis. 
• How do you plan to address the concerns of industries and communities that rely heavily on NOAA’s research and services? 
• How do you plan to maintain NOAA’s leadership in scientific research and innovation if key initiatives and personnel are cut? 
• What opportunities will be provided for public and stakeholder input on these changes? 
• How will reductions in staffing and resources affect NOAA’s ability to provide timely and accurate severe weather warnings, including hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods? 

The American people deserve a science-driven, transparent approach to weather forecasting, climate research, and emergency preparedness. I request an immediate response to these concerns and look forward to your assurances that NOAA’s integrity and effectiveness will be preserved.