Proposed Hurricane Hunters Cuts Worry Lawmakers

[titaniumsalute]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44319485/ns/local_news-west_palm_beach_fl/

House Committee Recommends 40 Percent Cut

A Florida congresswoman is pointing to Hurricane Irene as a reason why the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shouldn't cut its budget for its Hurricane Hunters Operation.

"These devastating cuts will impact the agency's ability to make accurate forecasts and predict the path of hurricanes," said Rep. Kathy Castor, D-Fla. "A House committee has recommended the Hurricane hunters’ budget be cut from $29 million to $17 million."

[geomon666]

1. They worry citizens too. n/t

[malletgirl02]

2. Florida Republicans

This would be a great time for Florida Republicans to show some bipartisanship.

[FLPanhandle]

3. Good chance for the Dems & Obama to take a public stand

Great timing too.

[titaniumsalute]

4. Agreed

I heard this morning that the Federal Government has an approval rating of 17%. However when people need government (which is nearly daily if you look hard enough) they would be very upset if it went away.

[kdmorris]

5. They worry the rest of us, too

Cutting the budget of one of the few real entities that do provide up to date and accurate information on these storms would put us in a lot more danger. Considering how often they fly into these storms (as well as around storms to measure the synoptics), the information they provide to the NHC is invaluable in forecasting both the path and intensity of tropical storms. If we all had to rely on the national news media for up to date information on these storms, I shudder to think of the consequences.

I cannot believe that a House committee wants to cut the budget almost in half...