Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Subcommittee Chairman Hal Rogers and Committee Chairman Tom Cole led a hearing on Mar. 25 to review the National Weather Service's mission, funding, and modernization efforts. The session included discussions with Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Environmental Observation and Prediction Taylor Jordan about staffing levels at local weather forecast offices, technology upgrades, and improved emergency warnings for rural areas.
The topic is important as the National Weather Service plays a key role in providing timely forecasts that help protect lives and property during severe weather events. Lawmakers are focused on ensuring federal funds are used effectively to support these critical public safety functions.
Rogers said, "In Fiscal Year 2026, Congress provided the National Weather Service with over 1.45 billion dollars to fulfill its mission: ensuring local Weather Forecast Offices are staffed for operations and leveraging technology and the private sector to cover data gaps and improve weather forecasts. The current administration seems to be making progress, working to streamline back-end functions to improve performance and increase the number of staff in local weather forecast offices across the nation. This is important and I will continue to monitor this closely. The enacted Fiscal Year 2026 bill also provided an additional 10 million dollars to support full staffing at all Weather Forecast Offices... In times of impending weather disasters, the value of clear, and accurate information coming from the Service cannot be understated and could be the difference between life and death for many Americans. Today’s discussion is critically important, and I look forward to a full discussion on how the National Weather Service can better inform our citizens." Full remarks as prepared for delivery are available here.
Cole said, "From the world-class research happening at NOAA’s Cooperative Institute for Severe and High-Impact Weather Research and Operations with the University of Oklahoma to the National Severe Storm Laboratory and the Storm Prediction Center – the National Weather Center in Norman, Oklahoma, is a crown jewel in our nation’s weather enterprise. The expertise that exists in Norman is unparalleled. I look forward to hearing what more can be done to leverage and support this resource... The National Weather Service’s ability to do so will improve lead time ... ultimately saving lives... I look forward to working with my colleagues..." Full remarks as prepared for delivery are available here.
Jordan said her focus was on "NOAA’s National Weather Service (NWS) ... its mission ... provide environmental data ... warnings ... decision support services (IDSS) ... protection of life ... enhancement of national economy." She added that NOAA is transforming NWS products based on partner needs while streamlining functions through technology upgrades.
According to the official website, notable personnel include Republican members such as Harold Rogers alongside Democratic members like Steny Hoyer on the House Committee on Appropriations. The committee provides guidance for community project funding requests included in appropriations bills according to its official website. It also drafts twelve annual spending bills allocating federal funds according to its official website.
Tom Cole has served as chairman of this committee according to its official website, marking him as only the forty-third person ever appointed chair according their records. The committee influences policy by passing major legislation such as Continuing Appropriations Acts according their records.
The hearing reaffirmed lawmakers’ commitment under Article I responsibilities—funding government programs while maintaining oversight—to ensure resources dedicated toward public safety remain effective.
