November 19, 2024 3:30 a.m. 

On Monday, 4th District U.S. Representatives Val Hoyle, Congressman Max Miller of Ohio, and 22 other members wrote to Speaker Mike Johnson, Leader Hakeem Jefferies, and House Appropriators asking them to support additional funding for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s next generation weather predication systems.

A release from Hoyle said as weather events are becoming increasingly severe, this system will help NOAA create better forecasts before disasters strikes.

Hoyle said, “This year, my home state Oregon saw a devastating ice storm and a record-breaking wildfire season”. Hoyle said, “Those of us who live in these disaster-affected areas understand that extreme weather is becoming more common and severe, making accurate and timely information more important than ever”. Hoyle said investing in more accurate weather technology is central to helping communities better prepare before disasters strike. Hoyle thanked Congressman Miller for his partnership along with all her colleagues on both sides of the aisle, who recognize that NOAA and NWS are essential to the safety and security of communities like hers.

The release said the forecasts and weather data gathered and prepared by NOAA and the National Weather Service, are shared with federal, state and local partners and media partners for weather forecasting.

The House Members are requesting more funding for the NOAA Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and the NWS, along with community recovery funding. They request that these funds be included in any disaster supplemental funding agreement and as part of the Fiscal Year 2025 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. They also requested that the bipartisan Weather Act Reauthorization Act of 2023, which provides NOAA a long-term vision and direction, be passed into law through a supplemental package or any other legislative vehicle before the end of the year.