According to nominee Neil Jacobs, if confirmed to lead the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), he will prioritize hiring people to fill vacancies at the National Weather Service (NWS). This comes as a response to the recent flooding in Central Texas that led to over 100 deaths. The NWS has shed hundreds of employees since Trump took office, leaving around 1,000+ positions vacant.
Jacobs emphasized the importance of having staff on the ground, stating that they have relationships with local communities and are trusted sources of information. He highlighted the need for a strong workforce at the NWS to ensure effective communication and response to natural disasters like flooding.
The nominee’s commitment to filling vacancies is a crucial step in addressing the staffing crisis at NOAA, which has been plagued by hiring freezes and separation incentives. With over 1,000 positions vacant, it is essential that the agency prioritizes hiring to restore its capacity to serve the public effectively.
CSPAN
@cspan
·
Jul 9 .
@SenatorCantwell
on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: “Since the start of the year, NOAA’s workforce has been gutted by 2,000 employees. The agency currently has 3,000 vacant positions, most of which cannot be filled due to the hiring freeze.”
CSPAN
@cspan
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Jul 9 NOAA Administrator Nominee Neil Jacobs: “If confirmed, I will ensure that staffing the Weather Service offices is a top priority.”
Sue Pear
@SuePearFL
·
Mod
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Jul 9 While everyone was distracted with cloud seeding and the disastrous and tragic flooding — Trump’s pick for NOAA Administrator, Neil Jacobs had his Confirmation Hearing today July 9, 2025. (1/3) Some things of concern:
The Hill
@thehill
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Jul 9 President Trump’s pick to lead the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said that staffing at the National Weather Service will be a “top priority.”
Live updates here:
https://trib.al/m9Z1RYo
Janice Hough
@leftcoastbabe
·
Jul 9 Amy Klobuchar to Trump NOAA nominee Neil Jacobs, on National Weather Service/NOAA staffing:
“NOAA has lost at least 1,875 employees, totaling combined 27,000 years of experience & institutional knowledge, & now has over 3,000 vacant staff positions at the very worst time”
Kristy Tallman
@KristyTallman
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Jul 9 NOAA Nominee Vows to Rebuild Weather Service After Texas Flood Disaster
Neil Jacobs, President Trump’s nominee to lead NOAA, pledged to prioritize staffing the National Weather Service after the deadly Texas floods exposed massive staffing gaps.
Jacobs told the Senate:
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