Congressman Maxwell Frost Statement on DOGE’s Latest Federal Layoff Target, NOAA
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10) released a statement regarding the recent mass layoffs at the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), one of the world's top climate science and weather forecasting agencies. The layoffs include many staff members in mission-critical and life-saving roles at the National Weather Service and National Hurricane Center.
Congressman Frost sits on the House Space, Science, and Technology Committee, which oversees the work of NOAA.
In a statement, Rep. Frost says:
"At a time when climate change impacts and extreme weather events are becoming more destructive and frequent, we should be expanding the life-saving research that NOAA does—not cutting it. Gutting the staff and work of NOAA isn't going to make the climate crisis disappear, it will only make communities more vulnerable—putting lives, our economy, and critical infrastructure at risk.
"In Florida, we know just how life-saving NOAA's forecasts and emergency alerts are during hurricane season. Everyone, not just those who can afford it, deserves access to accurate, real-time weather information.
"Last year, I flew with the Hurricane Hunters into the eye of Hurricane Milton and saw firsthand how NOAA's data works to save lives. Farmers, scientists, emergency responders, and entire communities depend on this data. When you take away funding and push out experienced professionals dedicated to protecting our communities, lives are immediately put at risk and rebuilding that knowledge will take years.”
"These cuts aren't about efficiency—they're about privatizing every aspect of our lives and wellbeing, leaving everyday people behind while billionaires get tax breaks.
"As a member of the Space, Science and Technology and Oversight and Government Reform committees, I will continue to fight back against these reckless attacks on public safety and climate preparedness."
###