Lawmakers sound alarm after Lutnick backtracks on commitment not to dismantle key federal agency and Trump Admin starts trying to ice out civil servants and gut NOAA programs that American people depend on
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse along with Congressmen Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo today sent a letter to President Trump’s pick to lead the U.S. Department of Commerce, demanding answers about the Trump Administration’s ongoing efforts to drastically reduce the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) workforce and budget.
NOAA is a critical federal agency charged with researching ocean systems, marine life, and the Earth’s climate; forecasting weather; monitoring atmospheric conditions; and mapping the seas; among other critical tasks. The federal agency has its own fleet of research and survey vessels and specialized aircraft, operated by a combination of NOAA Corps officers and civilians.
“We write to express concern about ongoing efforts to drastically reduce the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) workforce and budget. These actions have severe consequences for Rhode Island and the nation, undermining NOAA’s ability to fulfill its vital mission of safeguarding our economy, environment, and national security,” Rhode Island’s Congressional delegation wrote to Howard Lutnick, who Trump picked to run the Commerce Department.
The U.S. Senate is preparing to vote in the coming days on Mr. Lutnick’s nomination. During his confirmation before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Mr. Lutnick verbally pledged not to try and dismantle NOAA or break up and privatize the agency. However, he then backtracked on that sentiment in his written responses to the committees questions: “During your January 29, 2025, nomination hearing before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, when asked if you agreed about a Project 2025 proposal suggesting NOAA should be dismantled, many of its functions eliminated, sent to other agencies, privatized, or placed under the control of states and territories, you responded with a simple: “No.” However, when asked for the record whether NOAA should be dismantled, you wrote: “It is premature to discuss any specific recommendations,” the four members of Rhode Island’s Congressional delegation wrote.
Recent press reports indicate that the Trump Administration is already taking steps to downsize and degrade NOAA’s ability to carry out its core missions and that staffers from the so-called DOGE task force have already entered NOAA facilities, locked out career staff, and demanded access to sensitive information technology systems.
“We are alarmed by recent reports that staffers from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have been given access to NOAA’s offices and that NOAA employees have been told to expect a 50% reduction in staff and budget cuts of 30%. If carried out, these threats will have real impacts for our constituents – undermining NOAA’s ability to provide accurate, timely, and free weather forecasts, putting lives at risk during hurricanes and other severe weather events, and have ripple effects on national defense, emergency response, and economic stability,” the four lawmakers wrote.
NOAA has a strong presence in Rhode Island, thanks in part to Senator Reed’s successful effort to bring Marine Operations Center – Atlantic (MOC-A) to Naval Station Newport. Construction of the $150 million shoreside NOAA hub and complimentary pier infrastructure has been underway for over a year and is expected to be completed in 2027.
The delegation’s letter also notes that NOAA services play a critical role in coastal and marine research, fisheries management, weather forecasting, and climate monitoring. These services are particularly important in Rhode Island, where the Blue Economy is a major driver of jobs and economic growth.
Full text of the letter follows:
February 11, 2025
The Honorable Howard Lutnick
Chairman and CEO
Cantor Fitzgerald, L.P.
110 East 59th Street
New York, NY 10022
Dear Mr. Lutnick:
We write to express concern about ongoing efforts to drastically reduce the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) workforce and budget. These actions have severe consequences for Rhode Island and the nation, undermining NOAA’s ability to fulfill its vital mission of safeguarding our economy, environment, and national security.
NOAA services play a critical role in coastal and marine research, fisheries management, weather forecasting, and climate monitoring. These services are particularly important in Rhode Island, where the blue economy is a major driver of jobs and economic growth. Further, NOAA’s aviation weather services are critical for air travel safety, and its oceanographic research supports the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard in ensuring maritime security, detecting underwater threats, and advancing strategic ocean intelligence.
We are alarmed by recent reports that staffers from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have been given access to NOAA’s offices and that NOAA employees have been told to expect a 50% reduction in staff and budget cuts of 30%. If carried out, these threats will have real impacts for our constituents – undermining NOAA’s ability to provide accurate, timely, and free weather forecasts, putting lives at risk during hurricanes and other severe weather events, and have ripple effects on national defense, emergency response, and economic stability.
During your January 29, 2025, nomination hearing before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, when asked if you agreed about a Project 2025 proposal suggesting NOAA should be dismantled, many of its functions eliminated, sent to other agencies, privatized, or placed under the control of states and territories, you responded with a simple: “No.” However, when asked for the record whether NOAA should be dismantled, you wrote: “It is premature to discuss any specific recommendations.”
In order to fully understand your plans and objectives if confirmed as Secretary of Commerce, we ask that you clarify your response to these critical questions and how, if confirmed as Secretary, you would uphold NOAA’s congressionally-mandated service.
Thank you in advance for your attention to this important matter. We look forward to your prompt response.
Sincerely,
