More Job Cuts On The Way

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is about to experience widespread layoffs that could severely affect its operations and the lives of Americans, a source has revealed to The Hill.

The source, speaking on the condition of anonymity, stated that these layoffs are expected to take place soon, with the NOAA still facing cuts despite the previous delays tied to the confirmation of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. The Commerce Department, which oversees both NOAA and the National Weather Service (NWS), will be led by Lutnick, who is scheduled to be sworn in this Friday.

The cuts thus far have mainly impacted probationary employees—new hires, as well as recent promotions. However, the source revealed that a recent shift in policy had included veteran employees and those under special employment classifications like Schedule A workers (disabled individuals hired noncompetitively). This adjustment has raised concerns about the long-term effects of the proposed layoffs.

Though Lutnick denied any plans to privatize or dismantle NOAA during his confirmation hearings, conservative figures, particularly from the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025, have openly supported such actions. Furthermore, there have been reports that tech billionaire Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) recently visited NOAA facilities, fueling speculation that the agency’s future may be in jeopardy.

Cuts to NOAA’s workforce could have dangerous consequences. The agency plays a crucial role in delivering life-saving weather forecasts, including warnings for hurricanes, geomagnetic storms, and other disasters. The source warned that indiscriminate staffing cuts, without regard to employees’ roles, could cripple NOAA’s ability to protect Americans from extreme weather and other environmental threats. “Lives could be lost if NOAA’s ability to respond is weakened,” the source concluded.

As the Biden administration continues to make sweeping changes across federal agencies, the potential consequences for NOAA’s future are concerning. The nation’s ability to predict and respond to natural disasters should not be compromised by political agendas. It is vital that those in power prioritize the safety and well-being of American citizens by safeguarding essential services like NOAA.