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U.S. Senators Jerry Moran of Kansas and Gary Peters of Michigan have introduced the FORECAST Act to help the National Weather Service (NWS) stay fully staffed during emergencies. The bill would allow certain NWS workers—such as those who issue weather and flood warnings or maintain important equipment—to be exempt from federal hiring freezes. These roles are critical for protecting lives and property.

The bill also requires the Secretary of Commerce to report on NWS staffing levels one year after the law takes effect.

Senator Moran recently helped secure an exemption that allowed the NWS to hire more meteorologists and forecasters. Due to staffing shortages, the Goodland NWS office had to stop night-time forecasting in May. To fix this, workers from other offices will temporarily fill in until Goodland can return to 24/7 operations on June 15.