Mon Aug 18 11:50:00 UTC 2025: ## News Article: National Weather Service Rehires Hundreds After Cuts, Nebraska Rep. Flood Takes Credit

**LINCOLN, NE -** The National Weather Service (NWS) is set to rehire 450 meteorologists, hydrologists, and radar technicians following significant staffing reductions earlier this year. The move aims to address the impact of cuts implemented as part of the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) effort to streamline the federal bureaucracy.

Nebraska U.S. Rep. Mike Flood, R-Neb., highlighted the announcement as a positive sign of commitment to the NWS, stating, “For decades, the National Weather Service has helped keep our communities safe with accurate and timely forecasts.”

Flood played a key role in pushing back against the DOGE cuts, particularly one that temporarily halted weather balloon deployments in the Omaha area and other Great Plains offices. While the Omaha office has resumed launching two balloons daily, staffing shortages remain a concern.

The NWS faced staffing challenges prior to President Trump’s second term, but the recent cuts – reportedly totaling around 600 workers fired from the NWS and NOAA this year – prompted “urgent action,” according to NOAA. The reduced staffing forced some forecasting offices covering rural western and southwestern Nebraska to cease 24/7 local weather monitoring, raising concerns about public safety.

Rep. Flood has introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at protecting NWS employees from future dismissals, emphasizing the importance of accurate weather forecasting for all Americans regardless of political affiliation. Retiring U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., also expressed concerns about the cuts in a letter to U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.

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