Houston Democrats pressure Trump on region's NWS staff shortage
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U.S. Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (D-Houston) speaks in 2024. Photo: Tierney L. Cross/Getty Images
Houston Democrats are demanding answers from the Trump administration on how it will address major vacancies at the region's National Weather Service office ahead of hurricane season.
Why it matters: The push comes as NWS offices nationwide face funding cuts and staffing shortages amid President Trump's federal hiring freeze.
Driving the news: Reps. Lizzie Fletcher, Sylvia Garcia and Al Green sent a letter Monday to Department of Commerce leadership asking when roles will be filled at the NWS Houston/Galveston office in League City.
- Departures at the office have left 11 of 25 positions vacant — including meteorologist-in-charge, warning coordination meteorologist and science and operations officer.
What they're saying: "Losing all three of these essential employees will increase the risk of errors or missed extreme weather warnings and exacerbate an already overworked staff," they wrote. "NWS forecast office employees are working longer shifts because of the forced staffing reductions, which is leading to severe worker burnout."
- "NWS staff provide a vital public service to the Southeast Texas community, and these employees and our communities deserve better."
Zoom in: The NWS Houston/Galveston office is in charge of issuing timely and accurate forecasts, watches and warnings for a large swath of Southeast Texas, from Matagorda Bay to Trinity and College Station to the Bolivar Peninsula.
- The office was short eight positions in March, and that number grew by May.
The other side: Trump's cuts to weather and climate services are part of a larger effort to trim the federal budget.
The representatives requested a timeline for filling leadership positions, plans for additional support during extreme weather and whether the Houston office will have to downgrade any services amid the administration's cuts to NOAA.
- They're also seeking answers on how many Houston staffers have left since Trump took office, and how many were cut based on their probationary status.
- "Adequate staffing for the NWS, especially as we go into hurricane season, is a critical matter that could cost lives if left unaddressed," they wrote.
What's next: They're asking for a response from the Trump administration by May 30.
- Hurricane season starts the next day, June 1.