AIBS and other members of Friends of NOAA have urged congressional appropriators to provide robust funding for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in fiscal year (FY) 2025. Friends of NOAA (FoNOAA) is group of 90 supporters, stakeholders, and partners of NOAA who join together to encourage Congress and the Administration to support the agency’s mission and budget.
The letter requests that, at a minimum, Congress restore the over $800 million in cuts proposed by the Administration and fund NOAA at a level of no less than $7.5 billion in FY 2025.
“Unfortunately, while other science agencies have seen considerable growth over the past several years, NOAA has failed to receive the same consideration and instead has seen their top line appropriation remain relatively flat,” the groups argue. “The agency has long operated under a mantra of “doing more with less,” but the time has come to reverse that posture and provide NOAA with an appropriation that better reflects the critical role of the agency. To that end, Friends of NOAA would urge Congress to consider a level of funding even higher than this request as a starting point for achieving this important goal. This increased level is not arbitrary but rather a reflection of the critical needs and opportunities that lie ahead. Investing in NOAA is investing in America’s future. It is a commitment to protecting our communities, sustaining our natural resources, and fostering economic growth. The return on this investment is clear: a safer, more resilient, and prosperous nation.”
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