WASHINGTON - Representative Mike Flood, along with Rep. Frank Lucas (R-OK), Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-FL), Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), and Rep. Eric Sorensen (D-IL), has introduced the Weather Workforce Improvement Act to tackle the staffing shortage at the National Weather Service (NWS).

The bill aims to reinforce the public safety mission of the NWS and provide temporary direct authority for hiring positions related to public safety.

"This is one of the issues that arose when I found out about the weather balloon situation," Flood stated. "For decades, the men and women of the National Weather Service weren't classified as public safety."

The legislation follows Flood's office's work with the White House to address staffing challenges that have prevented local offices from carrying out balloon releases essential for forecasting. 

Flood noted that staffing issues have persisted across administrations, with vacancies in Nebraska starting under the Biden administration and accelerating during the early months of the Trump administration due to buyouts. After Flood brought the issue to the White House's attention, the administration authorized the hiring of over 100 additional staff both in Nebraska and nationally. 

The bill has bipartisan support, with co-sponsors from Florida, California, Illinois, Oklahoma, and Nebraska. If enacted, the bill would grant critical NWS employees exemptions similar to those for the FBI and air traffic controllers, recognizing their essential role in public safety.