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Lawmakers Question NWS Staffing Amid Hiring Freeze

6/11/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Amid a hiring freeze and layoffs, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confronted staffing worries at the National Weather Service (NWS). Lawmakers expressed doubts about NWS's forecasting abilities due to dwindling staff. Lutnick reassured that the agency operates at full capacity with 2,100 meteorologists, while a bipartisan bill seeks to bolster forecasting and streamline hiring processes.

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Story summary

Amid a hiring freeze and layoffs, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confronted staffing worries at the National Weather Service (NWS). Lawmakers expressed doubts about NWS's forecasting abilities due to dwindling staff. Lutnick reassured that the agency operates at full capacity with 2,100 meteorologists, while a bipartisan bill seeks to bolster forecasting and streamline hiring processes.