[Senate Hearing 119-288]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
S. Hrg. 119-288
NOMINATIONS TO THE UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
=======================================================================
HEARING
BEFORE THE
COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE,
SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION
UNITED STATES SENATE
ONE HUNDRED NINETEENTH CONGRESS
FIRST SESSION
__________
JULY 9, 2025
__________
Printed for the use of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation
[GRAPHIC NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
Available online: http://www.govinfo.gov
__________
U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE
62-766 PDF WASHINGTON : 2026
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION
ONE HUNDRED NINETEENTH CONGRESS
FIRST SESSION
TED CRUZ, Texas, Chairman
JOHN THUNE, South Dakota MARIA CANTWELL, Washington,
ROGER WICKER, Mississippi Ranking
DEB FISCHER, Nebraska AMY KLOBUCHAR, Minnesota
JERRY MORAN, Kansas BRIAN SCHATZ, Hawaii
DAN SULLIVAN, Alaska EDWARD MARKEY, Massachusetts
MARSHA BLACKBURN, Tennessee GARY PETERS, Michigan
TODD YOUNG, Indiana TAMMY BALDWIN, Wisconsin
TED BUDD, North Carolina TAMMY DUCKWORTH, Illinois
ERIC SCHMITT, Missouri JACKY ROSEN, Nevada
JOHN CURTIS, Utah BEN RAY LUJAN, New Mexico
BERNIE MORENO, Ohio JOHN HICKENLOOPER, Colorado
TIM SHEEHY, Montana JOHN FETTERMAN, Pennsylvania
SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO, West Virginia ANDY KIM, New Jersey
CYNTHIA LUMMIS, Wyoming LISA BLUNT ROCHESTER, Delaware
Brad Grantz, Republican Staff Director
Nicole Christus, Republican Deputy Staff Director
Lila Harper Helms, Staff Director
Melissa Porter, Deputy Staff Director
C O N T E N T S
----------
Page
Hearing held on July 9, 2025..................................... 1
Statement of Senator Cruz........................................ 1
Letter dated February 4, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz from Jeff
Angers, President, Center for Sportfishing Policy.......... 77
Letter dated April 22, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria
Cantwell from Jimi Grande, Senior Vice President--Federal
and Political Affairs, National Association of Mutual
Insurance Companies (NAMIC)................................ 78
Letter dated July 8, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz from Rep. Brian
Babin, D.D.S., Chairman, House of Representatives,
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology................ 80
Letter dated July 8, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria
Cantwell from Frank Nutter, President, Reinsurance
Association of America (RAA)............................... 81
Statement of Senator Cantwell.................................... 3
Statement of Senator Moran....................................... 46
Statement of Senator Kim......................................... 47
Statement of Senator Blackburn................................... 49
Statement of Senator Blunt Rochester............................. 51
Statement of Senator Capito...................................... 53
Statement of Senator Lujan....................................... 55
Statement of Senator Lummis...................................... 57
Statement of Senator Klobuchar................................... 59
Statement of Senator Young....................................... 61
Statement of Senator Hickenlooper................................ 62
Statement of Senator Fetterman................................... 64
Statement of Senator Markey...................................... 65
Statement of Senator Baldwin..................................... 67
Statement of Senator Sullivan.................................... 70
Witnesses
Neil Jacobs, Nominee to be Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans
and Atmosphere (NOAA Administrator)............................ 6
Prepared statement........................................... 7
Biographical information..................................... 8
Taylor Jordan, Nominee to be an Assistant Secretary of Commerce
for Environmental Observation and Prediction, NOAA............. 24
Prepared statement........................................... 25
Biographical information..................................... 26
Harry Kumar, Nominee to be an Assistant Secretary of Commerce for
Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs...................... 34
Prepared statement........................................... 35
Biographical information..................................... 36
Appendix
Response to written questions submitted to Neil Jacobs by:
Hon. Roger Wicker............................................ 83
Hon. Maria Cantwell.......................................... 84
Hon. Edward Markey........................................... 92
Hon. Tammy Duckworth......................................... 94
Hon. John Hickenlooper....................................... 97
Hon. John Fetterman.......................................... 101
Response to written questions submitted to Taylor Jordan by:
Hon. Maria Cantwell.......................................... 101
Hon. Tammy Duckworth......................................... 107
Hon. John Fetterman.......................................... 108
Response to written questions submitted to Harry Kumar by:
Hon. Dan Sullivan............................................ 108
Hon. Maria Cantwell.......................................... 108
Hon. Amy Klobuchar........................................... 109
Hon. Tammy Duckworth......................................... 110
NOMINATIONS TO THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
----------
WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 2025
U.S. Senate,
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
Washington, DC.
The Committee met, pursuant to notice, at 10 a.m., in room
SR-253, Russell Senate Office Building, Hon. Ted Cruz, Chairman
of the Committee, presiding.
Present: Senators Cruz [presiding], Moran, Sullivan,
Blackburn, Young, Moreno, Capito, Lummis, Cantwell, Klobuchar,
Schatz, Markey, Baldwin, Lujan, Hickenlooper, Fetterman, Kim,
and Blunt Rochester.
OPENING STATEMENT OF HON. TED CRUZ,
U.S. SENATOR FROM TEXAS
The Chairman. Good morning. The Senate Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation will come to order. I
want to take a moment at the outset to address the tragedy in
my home state over the holiday weekend. In the early hours of
July 4, Central Texas was hit with extraordinary flash
flooding.
More than 100 people have died, and the death toll is
expected to keep growing. Over 160 remain missing right now,
and the search effort is ongoing as we speak. I am the father
of two daughters. When I think of those little girls that were
lost at Camp Mystic, it is every parent's worst nightmare.
I was at Camp Mystic on Monday. The devastation in that
100-year-old, beautiful girls' camp that has helped raise a
generation of girls and women in Texas, the devastation was the
most horrific thing I have ever seen. The Guadalupe River is
normally a quiet and peaceful river. I have been swimming and
floating in that river dozens of times. There is a reason there
are 40 camps right there in Kerr County because it is
absolutely beautiful.
My youngest daughter, Catherine, goes to camp just a few
miles up the river from Camp Mystic. My wife, Heidi, was there
the week before picking Catherine up. We had been celebrating
because Catherine had won war canoe where the girls race in
canoes against other girls in the camp. And Catherine was a
good athlete and then she had won war canoe. I looked at that
same peaceful river and 1.8 trillion gallons of water dumped
upon it in the early hours of July 4, and it rose some 30 feet.
Camp Mystic--the river is hundreds of yards away from the
cabins. There is a lot of space there. And yet you looked at
the cabins, and in the cabins, there was 8 foot of water in
every girl's cabin. You could see the water line. It washed out
every single thing in the cabin. There is one cabin, a cabin
where the youngest girls were in, called Bumble Inn. The water
blew out the windows in that cabin and swept all of the girls
and the counselors out. Every girl in that cabin is either
confirmed dead or missing.
Outside that cabin are 17 single white crosses with the
names of the girls written on it. The 17th cross, the name
written on it is Dick Eastland, who for 50 years had been the
Camp Director at Camp Mystic. And Dick likewise lost his life
in those early morning hours in his Suburban driving through
high water trying to rescue his girls. Texas, our heart is
broken. And we saw extraordinary courage. We saw search and
rescue.
We saw heroes. I met with a young Coast Guardsman on Monday
who is credited with 165 rescues. He landed at Camp Mystic.
They put him on the ground in a very difficult helicopter
landing, and he was at a field at the highest point on the
campgrounds helping rescue little girls.
For three and a half hours, they helicoptered out 165
girls, about 15 per helicopter. And he sat there, and held
their hands, and stayed on the ground with them. This guy--I
know a lot of my colleagues have gotten to meet Coast Guard
swimmers who I have analogized they are kind of like Navy SEALs
and California surfers mixed together.
Like this young man, he described himself in the press, he
said, ``I am just a dude,'' which is something a Coast Guard
swimmer would say. But they are completely fearless. And when I
saw him, he had just hung up the phone from talking with the
mom and dad, and with their daughter, and they were crying.
They said, you saved our daughter's life, and when she was
there terrified out of her mind, you held her hand and told her
it would be OK.
So the weather can have enormous consequences. Our thoughts
today are also with the people of Ruidoso, New Mexico, who
faced flash flooding just yesterday evening. The power of a
flash flood, the power of a tornado, the powerful of a
hurricane, the power of wildfire to devastate and destroy.
Flying in a Coast Guard helicopter up the Guadalupe River,
it was astonishing the devastation that water can produce. Cars
were flung around like matchbox cars. And you know, when a car
hits a tree, the car loses. The car crumples. But I will tell
you, when water hits trees, the trees lose. And all up and down
the Guadalupe River, you saw thousands of trees just run over
like a bulldozer had knocked them down. That was the force of
the 30-foot wall of water that just--everything in its path,
obliterated.
Now, when tragedy strikes, we ask ourselves what could have
been done differently, and that is a question that we need to
ask. In any crisis, there is an order that things play out.
Stage number one is search and rescue, and that has got to be
the first priority, saving lives, getting lives out of harm's
way.
Stage number two is recovery and rebuilding. And that is a
process that takes months or even years as you go to the homes
that are destroyed, you go the buildings that are destroy, and
you look to rebuild. And we will do that. Texas will rebuild.
We are strong. But there is also a process of engaging in a
retrospective and saying, what is the exact timeline of what
transpired and what could we have done better.
Look, every one of us looking at the flooding in Texas, if
we could step into a time machine and go back to 2 or 3 in the
morning on July 4, we would rush into those little girls'
cabins and get them the hell out of here. And so one question--
Dr. Jacobs, you and I had a very good conversation in my office
yesterday. I want to thank each of the nominees here for your
expertise.
But one question we will certainly be asking in Texas, and
we ought to be asking across the country, is how can we improve
the speed and rate of response that when an extreme weather
warning goes out--in Texas, National Weather Service put out
one just after 1 a.m. and another just after 4 a.m., but the
problem is most people are asleep at 1 a.m. and 4 a.m., so
those little girls never heard the warning.
And so, there are discussions about all sorts of steps we
can take, including setting up sirens and warning systems along
the Guadalupe River Valley, which I think makes an awful lot of
sense. But we ought to be asking what lessons can be learned
and what can be done more effectively to protect human life.
Now this hearing, we have three very qualified nominees. We
have Dr. Neil Jacobs, who is the nominee for Under Secretary of
Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, NOAA Administrator. We have
Mr. Taylor Jordan, the nominee for Assistant Secretary of
Commerce for Environmental Observation and Prediction.
And we have Mr. Harry Kumar, the nominee for Assistant
Secretariat of Commerce for Legislative and Intergovernmental
Affairs. I think each of them are highly qualified. I
appreciate your willingness to serve, and I appreciate you
commitment to protecting public safety. There is no mission
that is more important, particularly concerning weather related
events, than early detection, knowing what is happening, and
improving the ability to notify people in harm's way and get
them out of the way.
We know we are going to have other disasters going forward.
There will be more floods, there will be more hurricanes, there
will be more tornadoes. But every step we can take to remove
someone from the path of that devastation is a step we need to
take, and I appreciate each of your dedication to doing that.
Ranking Member Cantwell.
STATEMENT OF HON. MARIA CANTWELL,
U.S. SENATOR FROM WASHINGTON
Senator Cantwell. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And as you
mentioned, this hearing comes at an incredible time of human
loss from the floods in Texas, and now we know in New Mexico
and North Carolina.
But I want to offer my condolences to the families who have
lost loved ones in this unimaginable tragedy, and to the people
of Texas. We grieve along with you as a nation. Our thoughts
and prayers do go to the families, to ask for strength for
them, to deal with this incredible loss.
And as you said, there is a time and a place to figure out
what transpired. You know, for us in the Northwest, where
natural disasters, whether it is fire, flooding, earthquakes,
or the big one that is someday going to hit, this issue of
first responders and communication is really important to us
too.
So, I too want to thank the National Guard for their
incredible work and response to this incident. I want to thank
the Coast Guard men and women. Pretty sure we train those
surfmen in--out on the Olympic, you know, Long Beach area of
our state and we are very proud of what they do to get those
men and woman ready to help do the search and rescue. But
clearly, first responders did everything that they were asked
to do in response to this flood.
But as you said, Mr. Chairman, there will be others. So I
agree that we should figure out what we can do in the future to
improve our communication system, to improve the science behind
the information, and to figure out how we best prepare for the
future. Today, we are considering Dr. Jacobs to be the NOAA
Administrator, Mr. Taylor to be the Assistant Secretary of
Commerce for Environmental Observation and Protection, and Mr.
Kumar to be Assistant Secretary.
NOAA does play an incredible, important role in preserving
life and property, and obviously good data behind your weather
reporting for sustainable fisheries to get food on the table,
to support our domestic product. You play a critical role in
safety and economic competitiveness.
And so, obviously, I am going to ask today about the cuts
to NOAA and how, as a science agency, you preserve the core
mission of an agency when we are cutting so much of the science
and the science budget. The budget eliminates the Office of
Oceanic and Atmospheric Research R&D arm, which is critical to
improving lead times and accuracy of information.
NOAA's R&D is at the cutting edge of science and projects
like Warn On Forecast, which will give communities more notice
from tornadoes and other severe weather events by using
prediction models instead of waiting to detect weather service
that is already occurring. The budget proposal also eliminates
NOAA's integrated ocean observing system program, the Buoy
system.
This is a very bipartisan program that helps us
particularly in the Northwest in detecting the potential of
tsunamis, hurricane forecast, fisheries, marine transportation.
And even though the Administration put out an Executive Order
calling for growing American fisheries, I believe that we are
doing the opposite if we are not investing in the kind of stock
assessments that we need to deal with fisheries management. So
while the Administration seeks to slash NOAA's budget, it has
also taken a sledgehammer to its workforce.
Since the start of the year, NOAA's workforce has been
gutted by 2,000 employees. The agency currently has over 3,000
vacant positions, most of which cannot be filled due to the
hiring freeze. For example, Pendleton, Oregon, the forecast
office serving Central Washington, no longer has 24/7 local
coverage because of their 44 percent vacancy rate. And in my
opinion, that is unacceptable in the height of fire season.
The hiring freeze also resulted in 160 vacancies at NOAA's
research ships, resulting in 30 percent of those ships being
left at the docks this summer instead of charting navigation in
the Arctic, serving key weather buoys and conducting stock
assessments. So for Washington, two pollock stock assessment
surveys and one salmon survey have already been canceled.
Now, what this means is that people can't fish. If we don't
have the science, they can't fish. We don't know--we are
putting billions of dollars of economic activity at risk. So
the West Coast region of NOAA fisheries has lost so many staff
that we no longer have key experts to negotiate salmon or other
treaties, and entire permitting teams are gone, and local
communities are begging for answers on this.
So I expect to hear how we are going to defend the science
mission without the people and without the science to help
deliver those essential services. I want to know what our real
plan is that we are going to continue to protect our
environment.
Mr. Jordan, if confirmed, you will be responsible for
advising the Administrator on weather, water, climate, and
related matters, and I hope that you will tell us today how you
also plan to counter cuts to the weather program, and where you
stand on the R&D investment that we need to improve forecasts
such as supercomputing forecasts.
Climate change is driving more intense hurricanes, more
frequent severe atmospheric rivers, rain events, and is
doubling the number of wildfires. According to NOAA, since
1980, we have had on average nine extreme weather events
annually that have cost us over $1 billion each.
So from 1980, nine extreme events. But in the last 5 years,
that has spiked to 23 events per year, and last year, it was 27
events. So we can see that we are having more devastating
impact and the cost to all of us. So we are in a state of
emergency that is getting worse, and we need to come up with
better solutions. So we know how to do this. In 2015, as
firefighters were fighting a devastating wildfire in Okanagan
County and wind patterns changed, resulting in the loss of
firefighters.
We implemented new tools to help with the training of a new
system that would help us get better information and get that
information faster. I should also note that today the OIG for
the Department of Commerce Office of Inspector General released
a report on our National Weather Service Tornado Forecasting
System and the things that they believe the office has gotten
wrong on--in forecasting--the shortcomings of that system, and
six plans for improvement. And so, we will probably ask you
about that as well.
So finally, Mr. Kumar, you would be leading the Legislative
Affairs Department. Simply put, the Department's critical
engagement with members of this committee is not happening at
the level we need it to happen. So, I expect you will help
fundamentally change that, if confirmed, and make sure that as
members ask for information and data from the agency, that they
will receive it in a timely manner.
So thank you, Mr. Chairman. And again, our hearts are with
you, your colleague, Senator Cornyn, the many people of Texas,
and we will work with you in whatever fashion we can to help
move forward and to--and help Texans in any way.
And obviously our colleagues here on the Committee from New
Mexico, and our colleagues in the larger body from North
Carolina. But thank you so much.
The Chairman. Well, thank you. I appreciate that. And I
want to say thank you to all my colleagues who reached out on
both sides of the aisle. I think collectively, hearts are
breaking across the country on what played out over the 4th of
July weekend. Dr. Jacobs, you are recognized for your opening
Statement.
STATEMENT OF NEIL JACOBS, NOMINEE TO BE
UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR OCEANS
AND ATMOSPHERE (NOAA ADMINISTRATOR)
Mr. Jacobs. Chairman Cruz, Ranking Member Cantwell, and
members of the Committee, thank you for the opportunity to
appear before you today. I am honored to be nominated for the
position of Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and
Atmospheres. I would also like to thank President Trump and
Secretary Lutnick for their trust and confidence in me with
this nomination.
If I have the honor of being confirmed, I look forward to
working with all of you on the important work performed by
NOAA. My heart goes out to those who lost loved ones in the
devastating Texas floods. As a parent with two kids in summer
camp right now, I can't imagine what these grieving families
are going through.
NOAA has an important, unique mission that spans the sea
floor to the sun's surface. Not only do they conduct cutting
edge coastal and ocean research, but they also provide life-
saving forecast predictions in a wide range of environmental
phenomena. From 2018 to 2021, I served as Assistant Secretary
for Environmental Observation and Prediction, and later as
Acting Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmospheres.
During that time, I gained significant experience and
understanding of NOAA's operations, and I developed a deep
appreciation for the workforce. From issuing accurate forecasts
to complex weather events, managing fish stocks, mapping our
coasts, launching satellites into space, their dedication and
professionalism is unparalleled.
I have a very detailed understanding of what is involved in
managing NOAA, from the policy, budget, and personnel side to
the needs and opportunities for innovative solutions to better
meet mission requirements. I previously led the agency's effort
to support scientific community through a focused improvement
to its external engagement strategy. This culminated in the
Earth Prediction and Invasion Center, which brings together
scientific expertise from Federal partners, world class
researchers, and the private sector.
I also understand that to be successful, NOAA must embrace
new partnerships. In 2019, under my leadership, NOAA unveiled
the Big Data Project, now called NOAA Open Data Dissemination,
where the public has greater access to all NOAA data through
partnerships with cloud service providers.
Running a large agency with a public service mandate of
protecting life and property during a pandemic was not
something anyone could have been prepared to do. Under my
leadership, NOAA rapidly changed and adapted operational
protocols and accelerated onboarding of new technology like
virtual environments for daily meetings, autonomous vehicles
for acoustic surveys.
Despite the pandemic, NOAA successfully met its mission
requirements, including saving countless lives during the 2020
hurricane season, which had 30 named storms, 11 U.S. landfalls,
shattering a record that had stood for over 100 years. If
confirmed, one of my top priorities is to return the United
States to the world's during global weather forecast modeling
capability.
As a matter of public safety, national security, and
national pride, we will restore American technological
superiority with this vital service for the country and our
military serving around the world. This will inquire embracing
new technologies, novel approaches, and partnerships with
industry to advance global observing systems. Reducing the
seafood trade deficit is also a top priority.
The U.S. has an estimated $20 billion trade deficit in
seafood. Much of it is due to unfair trade practices and import
of aquaculture seafood, which is often mislabeled, and the lack
of domestic processing capacity. In addition to promoting the
production, sale, and trade of U.S. fishery and aquaculture
products, embracing new technologies and science-based
approaches to stock assessments will benefit both U.S.
commercial fishing industry and the recreational fishing
community.
Leveling the playing field will also require cracking down
on illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. While
advancing numerical weather prediction has dominated my career,
the ocean is where I am most at home, whether I am fishing,
diving, or surfing. I began my career as a marine electronics
technician and have spent the last 30 years guiding
recreational saltwater anglers.
I have a unique appreciation for the maritime industry and
extensive knowledge of coastal marine fisheries conservation
spanning the Carolinas to the Florida Keys. If confirmed, it
would be a tremendous honor to lead such a distinguished
organization. I can assure the Committee that I will do my best
to ensure this team of scientists, engineers, forecasters, and
uniformed officers have the resources and leadership needed to
fulfill their mission of science, service, and stewardship.
I would like to thank my family and friends for their
support and encouragement along the way. I would also like to
thank the amazing people of NOAA for their dedication and
service, and for sharing their knowledge and passion with me
during my previous tenure at NOAA.
Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member Cantwell, and members of the
Committee, thank you again for the opportunity to be here.
[The prepared statement and biographical information of Mr.
Jacobs follow:]
Prepared Statement of Neil Jacobs, Nominee for Under Secretary of
Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere
Chairman Cruz, Ranking Member Cantwell, and Members of the
Committee, thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today. I
am honored to be nominated for the position of Under Secretary of
Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere. I would also like to thank
President Trump and Secretary Lutnick for their trust and confidence in
me with this nomination.
If I have the honor of being confirmed, I look forward to working
with all of you on the important work being performed by NOAA that
benefits our country. NOAA has a unique mission that spans the sea
floor to the Sun's surface. Not only does the agency conduct cutting-
edge ocean and coastal research, but NOAA also provides life-saving
forecasts and predictions of a wide range of environmental phenomena.
From 2018 to 2021, I served as Assistant Secretary for
Environmental Observation and Prediction, and later as acting Under
Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere. During that time, I gained
significant experience and understanding of NOAA's operations, and I
developed a deep appreciation of its workforce. From issuing accurate
forecasts for complex weather events, managing fish stocks, mapping our
coasts, and launching satellites into space, their dedication and
professionalism is unparalleled.
I have a very detailed understanding of what is involved in
managing NOAA from the policy, budget, and personnel side to needs and
opportunities for innovative solutions to better meet the mission
requirements. I previously led the agency's effort to support the
scientific community through focused improvements to its external
engagement strategy. This culminated in the Earth Prediction Innovation
Center, which is bringing together scientific expertise from Federal
partners, world-class researchers, and the private sector.
I also understand that to be successful, NOAA must embrace new
partnerships. In 2019, under my leadership, NOAA unveiled the Big Data
Project, now called NOAA Open Data Dissemination, where the public has
greater access to all NOAA data through partnerships with cloud service
providers.
Running a large agency with a public service mandate of protecting
life and property during a pandemic was not something anyone could have
been fully prepared to do. Under my leadership, NOAA rapidly changed
and adapted operational protocols and accelerated onboarding of new
technologies like virtual environments for daily meetings, and
autonomous vehicles for acoustic fish surveys. Despite the pandemic,
NOAA successfully met its mission requirements, including saving
countless lives during the 2020 hurricane season, which had 30 named
storms and 11 U.S. landfalls, shattering a record that had stood for
over 100 years.
If confirmed, one of my top priorities is to return the United
States to the world's leader in global weather forecast modeling
capability. As a matter of public safety, national security, and
national pride, we will restore American technological superiority for
this vital service for the country and our military serving around the
world. This will require embracing new technologies, novel approaches,
and partnering with industry to advance global observing systems.
Reducing the seafood trade deficit is also a top priority. The U.S.
has an estimated $20 billion trade imbalance in seafood, much of it due
to unfair trade practices, the import of aquaculture seafood, which is
often mislabeled, and lack of domestic processing capacity. In addition
to promoting the production, sale, and trade of U.S. fishery and
aquaculture products, embracing new technologies and science-based
approaches to stock assessments will benefit both the U.S. commercial
fishing industry and recreational fishing community. Leveling the
playing field will also require cracking down on illegal, unreported,
and unregulated fishing.
While advancing numerical weather prediction has dominated my
career, the ocean is where I am most at home whether I'm fishing,
diving, or surfing. I began my career as a marine electronics
technician and have spent the last 30 years guiding recreational
saltwater anglers. I have a unique appreciation for the maritime
industry and an extensive knowledge of coastal marine fisheries
conservation spanning the Carolinas to the Florida Keys.
If confirmed, it would be a tremendous honor to lead such a
distinguished organization. I can assure the Committee that I will do
my best to ensure this team of scientists, engineers, forecasters and
uniformed officers have the resources and leadership needed to fulfill
their mission of science, service, and stewardship.
I would like to thank my family and friends for their support and
encouragement along the way. I would also like to thank all the amazing
people of NOAA for their dedication and service, and for sharing their
knowledge and passion with me during my previous tenure at NOAA. Mr.
Chairman, Ranking Member Cantwell, and Members of the Committee, thank
you again for the opportunity to be here and I look forward to
answering any questions you may have.
______
a. biographical information
1. Name (Include any former names or nicknames used): Neil Andrew
Jacobs Jr.
2. Position to which nominated: Under Secreta1y of Commerce for
Oceans and Atmosphere.
3. Date of Nomination: Febma1y 3, 2025.
4. Address (List current place of residence and office addresses):
Residence: Information not released to the public.
Office: Information not provided.
5. Date and Place of Birth: December 12, 1973; Colorado Springs,
CO.
6. Provide the name, position, and place of employment for your
spouse (if married) or domestic partner, and the names and ages of your
children (including stepchildren and children by a previous marriage).
Jennifer Modliszewski, Lineberger Bioinformatics Core, UNC
7. List all college and graduate schools attended, whether or not
you were granted a degree by the institution. Provide the name of the
institution, the dates attended, the degree received, and the date of
the degree.
Ph.D. Atmospheric Science (Numerical modeling). 2005, North
Carolina State University
M.S. Atmospheric Science (Air-sea interaction), 2000, North
Carolina State University
B.S. Physics and Math, 1996, University of South Carolina
8. List all post-undergraduate employment, including the job title,
name of employer, and inclusive dates of employment, and highlight all
management-level jobs held and any non-managerial jobs that relate to
the position for which you are nominated.
2022-2025, Chief Science Advisor, Unified Forecast System,
University Corporation for Atmospheric Research
2022-2025, Senior Executive Advisor, Booz Allen Hamilton 2021-
2025, Managing Director, AxioScientia, LLC
2018-2021, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Environmental
Observation and Prediction, Department of Commerce, NOAA
2013-2018, Chief Atmospheric Scientist, Panasonic Avionics
Corporation 2004-2013, Director of Research and Business
Development, AirDat, LLC
9. Attach a copy of your resume.
10. List any advisory, consultative, honorary, or other part-time
service or positions with Federal, State, or local governments, other
than those listed above after 18 years of age.
I have never had a position in Federal, State, or local government
other than the one listed above.
11. List all positions held as an officer, director, trustee,
partner, proprietor, agent, representative, or consultant of any
corporation, company, firm, partnership, or other business, enterprise,
educational, or other institution.
American Meteorological Society (AMS) Visiting Senior Policy
Fellow
American Meteorological Society (AMS) Forecast Improvement
Group (Chair 2015-2017)
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Continuous Lower
Emissions, Energy, and Noise
World Meteorological Organization Expert Team on Aircraft-Based
Observing Systems
12. List all memberships you have had after 18 years of age or
currently hold with any civic, social, charitable, educational,
political, professional, fraternal, benevolent or religiously
affiliated organization, private club, or other membership organization
(You do not have to list your religious affiliation or membership in a
religious house of worship or institution). Include dates of membership
and any positions you have held with any organization. Please note
whether any such club or organization restricts membership on the basis
of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, or disability.
American Meteorological Society (Fellow)
National Weather Association
World Meteorological Organization; Expert Team on Aircraft-
Based Observing Systems
American Geophysical Union
Gamma Beta Phi, National Honor Society
Geological Society of America
National Forensics League
Phi Beta Kappa, Honor Society
Pi Mu Epsilon, National Math Honor Society
Sigma Pi Sigma, National Physics Honor Society (President:
1993-1996, USC Chapter)
Sigma Xi, Honor Society
Durham YMCA
Greensboro Velo Club
Rotary International
Trout Unlimited
13. Have you ever been a candidate for and/or held a public office
(elected, non-elected, or appointed)? If so, indicate whether any
campaign has any outstanding debt, the amount, and whether you are
personally liable for that debt. No.
14. List all memberships and offices held with and services
rendered to, whether compensated or not, any political party or
election committee within the past ten years. If you have held a paid
position or served in a formal or official advisory position (whether
compensated or not) in a political campaign within the past ten years,
identify the particulars of the campaign, including the candidate, year
of the campaign, and your title and responsibilities. None.
15. Itemize all political contributions to any individual, campaign
organization, political party, political action committee, or similar
entity of $200 or more for the past ten years.
Trump Victory, 2/27/20--$520
Trump Victory, 9/29/20--$500
16. List all scholarships, fellowships, honorary degrees, honorary
society memberships, military medals, and any other special recognition
for outstanding service or achievements.
Fellow, American Meteorological Society
American Meteorological Society's Kenneth C. Spengler Award
recipient (2023)
Pi Mu Epsilon, National Math Honor Society
Sigma Pi Sigma, National Physics Honor Society (President:
1993-1996, USC Chapter)
Gamma Beta Phi. National Honor Society
National Forensics League Scholarship
Phi Beta Kappa, Honor Society
Sigma Xi, Honor Society
17. List all books, articles, columns, letters to the editor,
Internet blog postings, or other publications you have authored,
individually or with others. Include a link to each publication when
possible. If a link is not available, provide a digital copy of the
publication when available.
Jacobs, N., J. Churchill, L. J. Pietrafesa, S. Bao, and P. T.
Gayes, 2023: Ocean-Atmosphere Interactions during the Passage
of an Extratropical Cyclone in the Vicinity of Cape Hatteras,
North Carolina, Intl. J. of Geosciences, 14, 855-876.
Brotzge, J., D. Berchoff, D. Carlis, F. Carr, R. Carr, J.
Gerth, B. Gross, T. Hamill, S. E. Haupt, N. Jacobs,A. McGovern,
D. Stensrud, G. Szatkowski, I. Szunyogh, and X. Wang, 2023:
Challenges and Opportunities in Numerical Weather Prediction.
Bull. Amer. Meteor. Soc., 104, 698-705.
Jacobs, N. A., 2021: Open Innovation and the Case for Community
Model Development. Bull. Amer. Meteor. Soc., 102(10), 2002-
2022.
Droegemeier, K., and N. Jacobs, 2021: Restructuring of U.S.
Federal Coordination to Advance Meteorological Services. Bull.
Amer. Meteor. Soc., 103(2), 230-247.
Gao, F., Z. Liu, J. Ma, N. Jacobs, P. Childs, and H. Wang,
2019: Variational Bias Correction of TAMDAR Temperature
Observations in WRF Data Assimilation System. Mon. Wea. Rev.,
147, 1927-1945.
Gao, F., X.-Y. Huang, N. Jacobs, and H. Wang, 2018:
Assimilation of Wind Speed and Direction Observations: Results
from real observation experiments. Tellus A, 67,1.
Zhang, X., H. Wang, X.-Y. Huang, F. Gao, and N. Jacobs, 2015:
Using Adjoint-Based Forecast Sensitivity Method to Evaluate
TAMDAR Data Impacts on Regional Forecasts. Advances in
Meteorology, Vol. 2015, Article ID 427616, 13.
Jacobs, N., D. Mulally, A. Anderson, J. Braid, P. Childs, A.
Huffman, E. Wilson, and F. Gao, 2015: Recent Advancements in
the TAMDAR Sensor Network Expansion, (IOAS-AOLS), AMS.
Jacobs, N.., F. Gao, P. Childs, X. Y. Huang, and H. Wang, 2015:
Optimization of In-situ Aircraft Observations for Various
Assimilation Techniques, (IOAS-AOLS), AMS.
Liu, Y., M. Xu, L. Pan, Y. Liu, N. Jacobs, and P. Childs, 2015:
Implementation of a CONUS RTFDDA system with radar data
assimilation for convection-resolvable analysis and prediction,
(IOAS-AOLS), AMS.
Gao, F., P. P. Childs, X.-Y. Huang, N. A. Jacobs, and J. Z.
Min, 2014: A Relocation-based Initialization Scheme to Improve
Track-forecasting of Tropical Cyclones. Adv. Atmos. Sci.,
31(1), 27-36.
Jacobs, N. A., D. J. Mulally, and A. K. Anderson, 2014:
Correction of Flux Valve-Based Heading for Improvement of
Aircraft Wind Observations. J. Atmos. Oceanic Technol., 31,
1733-1747.
Jacobs, N. A., and J. E. Rex, 2013: Benefits and Utility of
Tropospheric Airborne Meteorological Data Reporting, Air
Traffic Control Quarterly, January, First Quarter, 2013.
Huang, X.-Y., F. Gao, N. A. Jacobs, and H. Wang, 2013:
Assimilation of wind speed and direction observations: a new
formulation and results from idealized experiments. Tellus A,
65, 19936.
Wyszogrodzki, A. A., Y. Liu, N. A. Jacobs, P. Childs, Y. Zhang,
G. Roux, and T. T. Warner, 2013: Analysis of the surface
temperature and wind forecast bias of the NCAR-AirDat
operational CONUS 4km RTFDDA forecasting system, Meteorol.
Atmos. Phys., 121, 3-4.
Jacobs, N. A., P. Childs, M. Croke, A. Huffman, J. Nelson, J.
T. Braid, Y. L. Liu, and X. Y. Huang, 2013: An update on the
TAMDAR global network expansion, Special Symposium on Advancing
Weather and Climate Forecasts: Innovative Techniques and
Applications, Austin, TX.
Nelson, J., J. T. Braid, A. K. Anderson, N. A. Jacobs, P.
Childs, M. Croke, and A. Huffman, 2013: Alaska TAMDAR and the
RTFDDA WRF QC System, ARAM, AMS, Austin, TX.
Huffman, A., P. Childs, M. Croke, N. A. Jacobs, and Y. L. Liu,
2013: Verification of the NCAR-AirDat operational RT-FDDA-WRF
for the 2011 and 2012 spring convective seasons, IOAS, AMS,
Austin, TX.
Gao, F., N. A. Jacobs, X. Y. Huang, and P. Childs, 2013: Direct
assimilation of wind speed and direction for the WRF model,
Special Symposium on Advancing Weather and Climate Forecasts:
Innovative Techniques and Applications, AMS, Austin, TX.
Richardson, H., N. A. Jacobs, P. Childs, P. Marinello, and X.
Y. Huang, 2013: UAS observations and their impact on NWP during
TUFT, ARAM, AMS, Austin, TX.
Gao, F., P. Childs, X. Y. Huang, and N. A. Jacobs, 2013: A new
method for vortex relocation within balanced flow field, NWP,
Austin, TX.
Gao, F., X. Zhang, N. Jacobs, X.-Y. Huang, Xin Zhang, P.
Childs, 2012. Estimation of TAMDAR Observational Error and
Assimilation Experiments. Wea. Forecasting, 27, 4, 856-877.
Zhang, Y. Y. Liu, N. A. Jacobs, P. Childs, T. Nipen, T. T.
Warner, L. D. Monache, G. Roux, A. Wyszogrodzki, W. Y. Y.
Cheng, W. Yu, and R.-S. Sheu, 2012: Evaluation of the impact of
assimilating the TAMDAR data on WRF-based RTFDDA simulations
and the RTFDDA performance on predicting warm-season
precipitation over the CONUS, Wea. Forecasting, under revision.
Gao, F., X.-Y. Huang, N. Jacobs, 2012: The Assimilation of Wind
Speed and Direction Based on WRFDA 3D-Var System, New Orleans,
LA.
Zhang, Xiaoyan, X.-Y. Huang, T. Auligne, Xin Zhang, F. Gao, N.
Jacobs, P. Childs. 2012. Evaluation of TAMDAR Data Impact on
Forecast Error with WRFDA-FSO System, AMS, New Orleans, LA.
Gao, F., Xiaoyan Zhang, X.-Y. Huang, Xin Zhang, N. Jacobs, P.
Childs, 2011: Preliminary Results of Directly Assimilating Wind
Speed and Direction Based on WRFDA 3D-Var System. 12th WRF
Users' Workshop, Boulder, Colorado, 20-24 June 2011.
Liu, Y., T. Warner, S. Swerdlin, T. Betancourt, J. Knievel, B.
Mahoney, J. Pace, D. Rostkier-Edelstein, N.A. Jacobs, P.
Childs, and K. Parks, 2011: NCAR ensemble RTFDDA: real-time
operational forecasting applications and new data assimilation
developments. 24th Conference on Weather and Forecasting (WAF-
NWP), AMS, Seattle, WA.
Huffman, A., N. A. Jacobs, M. Croke, P. Childs, X. Y. Huang,
and Y. Liu, 2011: Verification and Sensitivity of the NCAR-
AirDat Operational Forecasting Systems to TAMDAR Observations.
15th Symposium (IOAS-AOLS), AMS, Seattle, WA.
Jacobs, N. A., F. Gao, P. Childs, X. Zhang, X. Y. Huang, X.
Zhang, M. Croke, and Y. Liu, 2011: Optimization of In-situ
Aircraft Observations for Various Assimilation Techniques. 15th
Symposium (IOAS-AOLS), AMS, Seattle, WA.
Jacobs, N. A., M. Croke, P. Childs, Y. Liu, X. Y. Huang, and R.
DeJong, 2011: The Utility of TAMDAR in the NextGen-Oriented
CLEEN Program. Second Aviation, Range and Aerospace Meteorology
Special Symposium on Weather-Air Traffic Management (ARAM),
AMS, Seattle, WA.
Croke, M., N. A. Jacobs, D. J. Mulally, A. K. Anderson, J. T.
Braid, P. Childs, A. Huffman, Y. Liu, and X. Y. Huang, 2011:
Recent Advancements in the TAMDAR Sensor Network Expansion.
15th Symposium on Integrated Observing and Assimilation Systems
for the Atmosphere, Oceans and Land Surface (IOAS-AOLS), AMS,
Seattle, WA.
Jacobs, N. A., P. Childs, M. Croke, Y. Liu, and X. Y. Huang,
2010: An Update on the TAMDAR Sensor Network Deployment, (IOAS-
AOLS), GA.
Jacobs, N. A., M. Croke, P. Childs, and Y. Liu, 2010: The
Potential Utility of TAMDAR Data in Air Quality Forecasting,
(IOAS), Atlanta, GA.
Childs, P., N. A. Jacobs, M. Croke, Y. Liu, W. Wu, G. Roux, and
M. Ge, 2010: An Introduction to the NCAR-AirDat Operational
TAMDAR-Enhanced RTFDDA-WRF, (IOAS-AOLS), AMS, Atlanta, GA.
Croke, M., N. Jacobs, P. Childs, and Y. Liu, 2009: The Utility
of TAMDAR on Short-Range Forecasts over Alaska, (IOAS), AMS.
Jacobs, N., P. Childs, M. Croke, Y. Liu, and X. Y. Huang, 2009:
The Optimization Between TAMDAR Data Assimilation Methods and
Model Configuration in WRF-ARW, (IOAS-AOLS), AMS.
Childs, P., N. Jacobs, M. Croke, Y. Liu, and X. Y. Huang, 2009:
TAMDAR-Related Impacts on the AirDat Operational WRF-ARW as a
Function of Data Assimilation Techniques, (IOAS-AOLS), AMS.
Jacobs, N., P. Childs, M. Croke, and Y. Liu, 2008: The Effects
of Horizontal Grid Spacing and Vertical Resolution on TAMDAR
Data assimilation in Short-Range Mesoscale Forecasts, AMS
Annual Meeting, 12th Symposium on Integrated Observing and
Assimilation Systems for the Atmosphere, Oceans, and Land
Surface (IOAS-AOLS).
Jacobs, N. A., S. Raman, G. M. Lackmann, and P. P. Childs, Jr,
2007: The influence of the Gulf Stream induced SST gradients on
the U.S. East Coast winter storm of 24-25 January 2000.
International Journal of Remote Sensing, 29, 6145-6174.
Jacobs, N. A., 2007: Potential benefits of tropospheric
airborne meteorological data reporting (TAMDAR). Managing the
Skies, 5, 3, 20-23.
Liu, Y., T. Warner, S. Swerdlin, W. Yu, N. Jacobs, and M.
Anderson, 2007: Assimilation data from diverse sources for
mesoscale NWP: TAMDAR-data impact. Geophysical Research
Abstracts, 9, EGU2007-A-03109.
Liu, Y., N. A. Jacobs, W. Yu, T. T. Warner, S. P. Swerdlin, and
M. Anderson, 2007: An OSSE study of TAMDAR data impact on
mesoscale data assimilation and prediction, AMS Annual Meeting,
11th Symposium on (IOAS-AOLS) 5.20.
Jacobs, N. A., 2006: The effects of lower-tropospheric data
resolution on short-range mesoscale model forecasts of surface
temperatures during the summer season, Doc. and Tech. Note
AirDat, LLC, 53 pp.
Jacobs, N. A., and Y. Liu, 2006: A comprehensive quantitative
precipitation forecast statistical verification study, Doc. and
Tech. AirDat 25 pp.
Jacobs, N. A., Y. Liu, and C.-M. Druse, 2006: Evaluation of
temporal and spatial distribution of TAMDAR data in short-range
mesoscale forecasts, AMS Annual Meeting, 10th Symp. IOAS-AOLS.
Jacobs, N. A., S. Raman, and G. M. Lackmann, 2006: Sensitivity
of East Coast winter storms to sea surface temperature
gradients, AMS Annual Meeting, 14th Conf. Sea-Atmos.
Jacobs, N. A., G. M. Lackmann and S. Raman 2005: The combined
effects of Gulf Stream-induced baroclinicity and upper-level
vorticity on U.S. East Coast extratropical cyclogenesis. Mon.
Wea. Rev., 133, 2494-2501.
Jacobs, N. A., 2004: Porting MM5 to OS X: A guide to mesoscale
modeling on a G5, Mac OSX Hints, 15, 97.
Jacobs, N., 2004: The Role of Marine Thermal Gradient Structure
on Gulf Stream-Related Extratropical Cyclogenesis, Ph.D.
Dissertation, Department of Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric
Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC. 307pp.
Jacobs, N. A., S. Raman, G. M. Lackmann, and P. P. Childs, Jr,
2004: Role of the Gulf Stream on extratropical cyclogenesis,
AMS Annual Meeting, 20th Conf. WAF/NWP pp. 318-322.
Raman, S., N. Jacobs, and M. Simpson, 2003: Numerical
simulation of land-air-sea interactions during the
northeasterly monsoon over Indian Ocean. INDOEX conf.
Bangalore, India.
Jacobs, N. A., 2001: Latent and sensible heat fluxes over the
Gulf Stream region during OMP. AGU, Boston, MA. Preprint pp
412-417.
Jacobs, N., 2000: Physical Oceanographic Processes and Air-Sea
Interactions of extratropical cyclogenesis during the Oceans
Margins Program, Thesis, Department of Marine, Earth, and
Atmospheric Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh,
NC. 178pp.
Jacobs, N., C. Petrusak, V. Connors, D. DeMaster, T. Hopkins,
1998: Earth System Science: Integration of Computer Modeling
and Laboratory Studies. 25 conf GSA/ESSE, pp. 127-131.
Jacobs, N., V. Connors, T. Hopkins, D. DeMaster, W. Sweet,
1998: The Evolution of Earth System Science at North Carolina
State University. 25 conf GSA/ESSE, pp. 417-421.
18. List all speeches, panel discussions, and presentations (e.g.,
PowerPoint) that you have given on topics relevant to the position for
which you have been nominated. Include a link to each publication when
possible. If a link is not available, provide a digital copy of the
speech or presentation when available.
Unified Forecast System (UFS) overview, American Meteorological
Society
UFS community governance, AMS/UIFCW
Open innovation and UFS, AMS/UIFCW
Advances in NWP and data assimilation, AMS/AGU
Agency budget process, AMS policy colloquium
Overview of NWP and open innovation
AMS advancements in UFS applications
PWS global ensemble system, NCEP
PWS global model and data assimilation, UK Met Office
Assimilation of ABOs into a global modeling system, ECMWF
Estimation of TAMDAR Error and Assimilation Experiments, UK Met
Office
Utility of TAMDAR aircraft observations for NWP, ECMWF
Optimization of TAMDAR for NWP, NCEP EMC
Operational forecasting with TAMDAR, SMN
Unique aspects of aircraft data assimilation, ECMWF
19. List all public statements you have made during the past ten
years, including statements in news articles and radio and podcasts and
television appearances, which are on topics relevant to the position
for which you have been nominated, including dates. Include a link to
each statement when possible. If a link is not available, provide a
digital copy of the statement when available.
I've done a few podcasts on modeling, weather and science, and was
a regular host on the weatherbrains podcast. The topics almost always
pertained to numerical weather prediction.
http://weatherbrains.com
https://www.youtube.com/@WeatherBrains/streams
https://art19.com/shows/weather-geeks/
https://art19.com/shows/off-the-radar
20. List all digital platforms (including social media and other
digital content sites) on which you currently or have formerly operated
an account, regardless of whether or not the account was held in your
name or an alias. Include the full name of an ``alias'' or ``handle'',
including the complete URL and username with hyperlinks, you have used
on each of the named platforms. Indicate whether the account is active,
deleted, or dormant. Include a link to each account if possible.
I do not have any social media presence, and I am not on LinkedIn.
21. Please identify each instance in which you have testified
orally or in writing before Congress in a governmental or non-
governmental capacity and specify the date, committee, and subject
matter of each testimony.
Winning in Weather: U.S. Competitiveness in Forecasting and
Modeling (6 March 2024)--House of Representatives, Committee on
Science, Space, and Technology, Subcommittee on Environment
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Organic Act (18
April 2023)--House of Representatives, Committee on Science,
Space, and Technology, Full Committee
Senate Confirmation: Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and
Atmosphere (11 March 2020); United States Senate, Subcommittee
on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies
Examining Opportunities to Improve Prevention and Response of
SASH at NOAA (27 February 2020)--House of Representatives,
Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations
A Task of EPIC Proportions: Reclaiming U.S. Leadership in
Weather Modeling and Prediction (20 November 2019)--House of
Representatives, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology,
Subcommittee on Environment
The Future of Forecasting: Building a Stronger U.S. Weather
Enterprise (16 May 2019)--House of Representatives, Committee
on Science, Space, and Technology, Subcommittee on the
Environment
A Review of the NOAA Fiscal Year 2020 Budget Request (30 April
2019)--House of Representatives, Committee on Science, Space,
and Technology, Subcommittee on the Environment
Review of the FY2020 Budget Request for the U.S. Department of
Commerce (2 April 2019)--United States Senate, Committee on
Appropriations, Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and
Related Agencies
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Budget
Request for Fiscal Year 2020 (27 March 2019)--House of
Representatives, Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on
Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies
Understanding the Changing Climate System and the Role of
Climate Research (26 February 2019)--House of Representatives,
Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice,
Science, and Related Agencies
Surveying the Space Weather Landscape (26 April 2018)--House of
Representatives, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology,
Subcommittee on Space
Senate Confirmation: Assistant Secretary of Commerce for
Observation and Prediction (1 November 2017); United States
Senate, Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related
Agencies
Leading the Way: Examining Advances in Environmental Technology
(21 June 2017)--House of Representatives, Committee on Science,
Space, and Technology, Subcommittee on Environment
Private Sector Weather Forecasting: Assessing Products and
Technologies (8 June 2016)--House of Representatives, Committee
on Science, Space, and Technology. Subcommittee on Environment
22. Given the current mission, major programs, and major
operational objectives of the department/agency/commission/corporation
to which you have been nominated, what in your background or employment
experience do you believe affirmatively qualifies you for appointment
to the position for which you have been nominated, and why do you wish
to serve in that position?
I gained significant experience and understanding of NOAA's
operations after previously serving as both the Assistant Secretary of
Commerce for Environmental Observation and Prediction (2018-2021) and
acting Under Secretary of Commerce of Oceans and Atmospheres from 2019
to 2021. I have a very detailed understanding of what is involved in
managing NOAA from the policy, budget, and personnel side to needs and
opportunities for innovative solutions to better meet the mission
requirements. I previously led the agency's effort to support the
scientific community through focused improvements to its external
engagement strategy. This culminated in the Earth Prediction Innovation
Center, which is bringing together the scientific expertise from
Federal partners, world-class researchers, and the private sector. I
also understand that to be successful, NOAA must embrace new
partnerships. In 2019, under my leadership, NOAA unveiled the Big Data
Project, now called NOAA Open Data Dissemination (NODD), where the
public has greater access to all NOAA data through partnerships with
Google, Amazon, and Microsoft.
I have extensive experience with public-private-academic
partnerships for weather model and observing system development. As a
founding member of Panasonic Avionics weather division's predecessor
company AirDat, I directed the private side of the NWS's very first
atmospheric commercial observational data acquisition as a subscription
service. This is a great example of a successful public-private
partnership that is still in existence today. Having worked alongside
NOAA and NWS employees and scientists as a scientific collaborator, I
have earned their trust and respect. Additionally, I have great working
relationships with key World Meteorological Organization member
countries and their respective National Meteorological Service
Directors.
Prior to focusing my career on numerical weather prediction, I
worked as both a marine electronics technician and a recreational
saltwater inshore fishing guide. I have a unique appreciation for the
recreational boating industry and an extensive knowledge of coastal
marine fisheries conservation spanning the Carolinas to the Florida
Keys.
23. What do you believe are your responsibilities, if confirmed, to
ensure that the department/agency/commission/corporation has proper
management and accounting controls, and what experience do you have in
managing a large organization?
My responsibility, as the NOAA Administrator, will be to work
closely with NOAA line offices, and provide leadership to better manage
the agency's assets in their service to the American people. As duly
confirmed by the Senate, and as political appointees, we have an
obligation to comply with the direction and oversight provided by
Congress to manage our agency to the best of our abilities and within
the letter of the law.
I have a very detailed understanding of what is involved in
managing NOAA because I've done it before. I ran the agency from 2019
to 2021, through multiple annual budget cycles, spend plans, and
disaster supplemental appropriations, some of which spanned the
pandemic.
Running a large agency with a public service mandate of protecting
life and property during a pandemic was not something anyone could have
been fully prepared to do. Under my leadership, NOAA rapidly changed
and adapted operational protocols and accelerated onboarding of new
technologies like cloud data access, virtual environments for daily
meetings, and autonomous vehicles for acoustic fish surveys. Apart from
a few bottom trawl surveys, NOAA successfully executed all of its
mission essential functions, including producing the some of the most
accurate hurricane forecast tracks on record for the most active
Atlantic season on record (2020: 30 named storms) with the most
landfalls on record (2020: 11 U.S. landfalls), while simultaneously
doing a stellar job of fire weather forecasting.
24. What do you believe to be the top three challenges facing the
department/agency/commission/corporation, and why?
Weather Forecasting and Modeling--Return NOAA NWS to the world's
leader in global weather forecast modeling capability. The United
States led the world in weather forecasting and modeling for decades,
but has not kept pace with overseas competition, and is struggling to
maintain the status of third most accurate global weather model among
National Meteorological Services. As a matter of public safety,
national security, and national pride, we will restore American
technical superiority for this vital service for the country and our
military serving around the world. As part of this effort, implementing
a community-based earth-system modeling program is crucial. This will
require adoption of cloud-based computational resources and artificial
intelligence. While this is technically straightforward, it will
require a significant culture shift in the workforce and proactive
effort to migrate to cloud and align development efforts across a
common code base. Rapid change management will always be a challenge in
any large organization. The prediction of the future state of the
atmosphere, ocean, and even the sun, requires accurate and timely
observations for both initialization and verification. Whether these
forecasts are physics based or AI or a hybrid of both, as the model
space-time resolution increases, the need for better observations
increases exponentially. Embracing new technologies, novel approaches,
and partnerships with industry and the research community will be an
integral part of addressing this challenge.
Reduce Seafood Supply Deficit--The U.S. has an estimated $20
billion trade imbalance in seafood, much of it due to unfair trade
practices, the importation of aquaculture seafood, and lack of domestic
processing capacity and aquaculture production. The U.S. imports
roughly $26 billion in seafood--nearly half of which is produced via
aquaculture and 30 percent is shrimp (farmed and wild-caught). To
achieve changes to the deficit, NOAA should consider increasing wild-
caught production, increasing aquaculture, and reducing imports from
nations with weak environmental protections. Leveling the playing field
will also require cracking down on illegal, unreported, and unregulated
(IUU) fishing. Additionally, embracing new technologies and science-
based approaches to stock assessments will benefit both the U.S.
commercial fishing industry and recreational fishing community.
Asset management--NOAA maintains hundreds of facilities across the
nation, operates some of the largest observing networks in the world,
and flies some of the most cutting-edge satellites in space. Over time,
these assets will need to be replenished and recapitalized to continue
providing Americans with the level of service they have come to rely
on. These assets will continue to require careful planning, management,
and oversight to ensure NOAA continues to meet its mission requirement.
b. potential conflicts of interest
1. Describe all financial arrangements, deferred compensation
agreements, and other continuing dealings with business associates,
clients, or customers. Please include information related to retirement
accounts, such as a 401(k) or pension plan.
I have no financial arrangements, deferred compensation agreements,
or other continuing dealings with business associates, clients, or
customers. I do have an IRA and Roth.
2. Do you have any commitments or agreements, formal or informal,
to maintain employment, affiliation, or practice with any business,
association, or other organization during your appointment? If so,
please explain. No.
3. Indicate any investments, obligations, liabilities, or other
relationships which could involve potential conflicts of interest in
the position to which you have been nominated. Explain how you will
resolve each potential conflict of interest.
In connection with the nomination process, I have consulted with
the Office of Government Ethics and Department of Commerce agency
ethics officials to identify any potential conflicts of interest. Any
potential conflicts of interest will be resolved in accordance with the
terms of my ethics agreement. I understand that my ethics agreement has
been provided to the Committee. I am not aware of any potential
conflict of interest other than those that are the subject of my ethics
agreement.
4. Describe any business relationship, dealing, or financial
transaction which you have had during the last ten years, whether for
yourself, on behalf of a client, or acting as an agent, that could in
any way constitute or result in a possible conflict of interest in the
position to which you have been nominated. Explain how you will resolve
each potential conflict of interest. None.
5. Identify any other potential conflicts of interest and explain
how you will resolve each potential conflict of interest.
Any potential conflicts of interest will be resolved in accordance
with the terms of my ethics agreement. I understand that my ethics
agreement has been provided to the Committee.
6. Describe any activity during the past ten years, including the
names of clients represented, in which you have been engaged for the
purpose of directly or indirectly influencing the passage, defeat, or
modification of any legislation or affecting the administration and
execution of law or public policy. None.
c. legal matters
1. Have you ever been disciplined or cited for a breach of ethics,
professional misconduct, or retaliation by, or been the subject of a
complaint to, any court, administrative agency, the Office of Special
Counsel, an Inspector General, professional association, disciplinary
committee, or other professional group? If yes:
a. Provide the name of the court, agency, association, committee, or
group;
b. Provide the date the citation, disciplinary action, complaint, or
personnel action was issued or initiated;
c. Describe the citation, disciplinary action, complaint, or
personnel action;
d. Provide the results of the citation, disciplinary action,
complaint, or personnel action.
While not officially cited for breach of ethics, I encumbered the
NOAA Administrator position during the September 6, 2019, incident and
was one of several employees that were referred to the Inspector
General. The conclusions of the IG report did not find me at fault for
the incident, and I was not cited for any breach of ethics. The report
concludes that while a better protocol for chain of command should have
been followed, that the process for handling social media was not well
established. It also concludes that I was one of only three parties who
properly preserved records. In the end, I received no citation, and no
disciplinary or personnel action was taken. https://www.oig.doc.gov/
OIGPublications/OIG-20-032-I.pdf
2. Have you ever been investigated, arrested, charged, or held by
any Federal, State, or other law enforcement authority of any Federal,
State, county, municipal, or foreign government entity, other than for
a minor traffic offense? If so, please explain. No.
3. Have you or any business or nonprofit of which you are or were
an officer ever been involved as a party in an administrative agency
proceeding, criminal proceeding, or civil litigation? If so, please
explain. No.
4. Have you ever been convicted (including pleas of guilty or nolo
contendere) of any criminal violation other than a minor traffic
offense? If so, please explain. No.
5. Have you ever been accused, formally or informally, of sexual
assault, sexual harassment, or discrimination on the basis of sex,
race, religion, or any other basis? If so, please explain. No.
6. Please advise the Committee of any additional information,
favorable or unfavorable, which you feel should be disclosed in
connection with your nomination. None.
d. relationship with committee
1. Will you ensure that your department/agency/commission/
corporation complies with deadlines for information set by
congressional committees, and that your department/agency/commission/
corporation endeavors to timely comply with requests for information
from individual Members of Congress, including requests from members in
the minority? Yes.
2. Will you ensure that your department/agency/commission/
corporation does whatever it can to protect congressional witnesses and
whistleblowers from reprisal for their testimony and disclosures? Yes.
3. Will you cooperate in providing the Committee with requested
witnesses, including technical experts and career employees, with
firsthand knowledge of matters of interest to the Committee? Yes.
4. Are you willing to appear and testify before any duly
constituted committee of the Congress on such occasions as you may be
reasonably requested to do so? Yes.
The Chairman. Thank you, Dr. Jacobs. Mr. Jordan, you are
recognized for your opening statement.
STATEMENT OF TAYLOR JORDAN, NOMINEE TO BE AN
ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR
ENVIRONMENTAL OBSERVATION AND PREDICTION, NOAA
Mr. Jordan. Chairman Cruz, Ranking Member Cantwell, and
members of the Committee, thank you for the opportunity to
appear before you today. I am honored to be nominated for the
position of Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Environmental
Observation and Prediction by President Trump, and I also want
to thank Secretary Lutnick for his support of my nomination.
If I have the honor of being confirmed, I look forward to
working with all of you on the important work performed by NOAA
in the areas of observation, data, and forecasting. I would
also like to thank and recognize my fiancee, Minsu Crowder-Han,
and my family watching from Texas.
My mother, Cindy Jordan, and her husband, Scott Wright, as
well as my father, Gene Jordan, my brother, Chris Jordan, and
his family. As a born and raised Texan, I have had a lifelong
fascination with weather. I grew up in Longview, in East Texas,
which has seen its fair share of severe weather impacts,
tornadoes, straight line winds, hail, lightning strikes.
As a kid, every time the sirens would go off for a
potential tornado, my father would first go outside and look up
at the sky, which might be a uniquely Texan behavior, but I
would head to my parents' closet to take shelter. I would also
like to take a moment to mention the floods in Texas this past
weekend.
As a Texan, this hits close to home for me, and is a tragic
reminder that weather affects Americans every day. If
confirmed, I will work closely with the Secretary of Commerce
and the NOAA Administrator to ensure the National Weather
Service continues to provide weather forecasts that keep
Americans out of harm's way.
Collectively, I have had the privilege of working on NOAA
issues for the last 14 years, and I have worked on these issues
from three distinct vantage points, in Congress, at NOAA, and
in the private sector. After graduating from the University of
North Texas, I was fortunate enough to have an internship in
D.C. for the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology,
where I first worked under Chairman Ralph Hall and then
Chairman Lamar Smith.
It was there on the Committee where I learned about NOAA's
mission and how their weather forecasting resulted in those
sirens I always heard growing up. The forecast for those severe
storms started with NOAA. I spent 7 years on the House Science
Committee working on issues related to NOAA and other civil
science agencies. I was the lead author for the Weather
Research and Forecasting Innovation Act, also known as the
Weather Act.
That bill was the first major piece of weather related
legislation in decades and gave NOAA tools to help it better
achieve its mission of protecting lives and property. Many of
the Weather Act's authorizations are still relevant today, and
if I am honored to be confirmed, I look forward to working with
this committee to reauthorize this important piece of
legislation. I also had the privilege of serving as a Senior
Policy Advisor to the NOAA Administrator from 2018 to 2020.
In this role, I oversaw the implementation of the Weather
Act and worked closely with NOAA's leadership and staff to
provide accurate and timely weather forecasts. I also worked
with NOAA line offices to help manage multi-billion dollar
programs and acquisitions across the agency. Since 2021, I have
worked in the private sector to advocate for programs and
policies that support NOAA's mission and create meaningful
partnerships.
I have worked with private companies that provide NOAA with
valuable weather data. Contractors that provide technical and
expert support services. Scientists that contribute cutting-
edge knowledge to our understanding of the Earth, and many
others that support NOAA in various ways. Thanks to these
experiences, I have developed a deep appreciation for NOAA's
mission and its lifesaving information.
NOAA operates in every state, forecasts for every location,
and provides important and unique information across the
country every day. NOAA achieves this through extensive
observing networks and infrastructure, dedicated scientists and
forecasters, and public-private partnerships. NOAA relies on
expertise from our robust American science and technology
ecosystem, from private companies, contractors, academia, and
universities, nonprofits, State, local, and tribal partners.
If confirmed, it would be a tremendous honor to help lead
such a distinguished organization of scientists, engineers,
forecaster, and uniformed officers. I will work closely with
members of this committee to ensure NOAA continues to provide
accurate and timely weather forecasting to protect lives and
property and safeguard the national economy.
Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member Cantwell, and members of the
Committee, thank you again for the opportunity to appear before
you. I would be pleased to answer any questions you have.
[The prepared statement and biographical information of Mr.
Jordan follow:]
Prepared Statement of Taylor Jordan, Nominee for Assistant Secretary of
Commerce for Environmental Observation and Prediction
Chairman Cruz, Ranking Member Cantwell, and Members of the
Committee, thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today. I
am honored to be nominated for the position of Assistant Secretary of
Commerce for Environmental Observation and Prediction by President
Trump, and I also want to thank Secretary Lutnick for his support of my
nomination. If I have the honor of being confirmed, I look forward to
working with all of you on the important work performed by NOAA in the
areas of observation, data, and forecasting.
I would also like to thank and recognize my fiancee Minsu Crowder-
Han for being with me here today, and my family watching from Texas: my
mother Cindy Jordan and her husband Scott Wright, as well as my father
Gene Jordan, brother Chris Jordan and his family.
As a born and raised Texan, I have had a lifelong fascination with
weather. I grew up in Longview in East Texas, which has seen its fair
share of severe weather impacts: tornados, straight-line winds, hail,
and lightning strikes. As a kid, every time the sirens would go off;
for a potential tornado, my father would first go outside and look up
at the sky--a uniquely Texan behavior--while I would head to my
parent's closet to take shelter.
Collectively, I have had the privilege of working on NOAA issues
for the last 14 years, and I have worked on these issues from three
distinct vantage points: (1) in Congress, (2) at NOAA, and (3) in the
private sector.
After graduating from the University of North Texas, I was
fortunate enough to have an internship in DC for the House Committee on
Science, Space, and Technology, where I worked first under Chairman
Ralph Hall and then Chairman Lamar Smith. It was there, on the
Committee, where I learned about NOAA's mission and how their weather
forecasting resulted in those sirens I always heard growing up--the
forecast for those severe storms started with NOAA.
I spent seven years on the House Science Committee, working on
issues related to NOAA and other civil science agencies. I was the lead
author for the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act, also
known as the Weather Act. That bill was the first major piece of
weather-related legislation in decades and gave NOAA tools to help it
better achieve its mission of protecting lives and property. Many of
the Weather Act's authorizations are still relevant today, and if I am
honored to be confirmed, I look forward to working with this Committee
to reauthorize this important piece of legislation.
I also had the privilege of serving as a senior policy advisor to
the NOAA Administrator from 2018-2020. In this role, I oversaw
implementation of the Weather Act, and worked closely with NOAA's
leadership and staff; to provide accurate and timely weather forecasts.
I also worked with leadership and NOAA line offices to help manage
multi-billion dollar programs and acquisitions across the agency.
Since 2021, I have worked in the private sector to advocate for
programs and policies that improve NOAA's mission and create meaningful
partnerships. I have worked with private companies that provide NOAA
with valuable weather data, contractors that provide technical and
expert support services, scientists that contribute cutting-edge
knowledge to our understanding of the earth, and many others that
support NOAA in various ways.
Thanks to these experiences, I have developed a deep appreciation
for NOAA's mission and its life-saving information. NOAA operates in
every state, forecasts for every location, and provides important and
unique information across the country every day. NOAA achieves this
through extensive observing networks and infrastructure, dedicated
scientists and forecasters, and public-private partnerships. NOAA
relies on expertise from our robust American science and technology
ecosystem--from private companies, contractors, academia, non-profits,
and state, local, and tribal partners.
If confirmed, it would be a tremendous honor to help lead such a
distinguished organization of scientists, engineers, forecasters and
uniformed officers. I will also work closely with Members of this
Committee to ensure NOAA continues to provide accurate and timely
weather forecasting to protect lives and property, and safeguard the
national economy.
Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member Cantwell, and Members of the
Committee, thank you again for the opportunity to appear before you
today. I would be pleased to answer any questions you may have.
______
a. biographical information
1. Name (Include any former names or nicknames used): Taylor Ross
Jordan.
2. Position to which nominated: Assistant Secretary of Commerce for
Environmental Observation and Prediction.
3. Date of Nomination: February 11, 2025.
4. Address (List current place of residence and office addresses):
Residence: Information not released to the public.
Office: Information not provided.
5. Date and Place of Birth: Longview, Texas (Gregg County); August
7, 1987.
6. Provide the name, position, and place of employment for your
spouse (if married) or domestic partner, and the names and ages of your
children (including stepchildren and children by a previous marriage).
Not married.
7. List all college and graduate schools attended, whether or not
you were granted a degree by the institution. Provide the name of the
institution, the dates attended, the degree received, and the date of
the degree.
University of North Texas, Bachelor of Arts in International
Relations, 2006-2010.
Johns Hopkins University, Master of Science in Energy and
Climate Policy, 2013-2014.
8. List all post-undergraduate employment, including the job title,
name of employer, and inclusive dates of employment, and highlight all
management-level jobs held and any non-managerial jobs that relate to
the position for which you are nominated.
U.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Science, Space, and
Technology--Professional Staff Member, 2011-2018.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Senior Policy
Advisor, 2018-2020.
Innovative Federal Strategies--Principal, 2021 to present.
9. Attach a copy of your resume.
Attached.
10. List any advisory, consultative, honorary, or other part-time
service or positions with Federal, State, or local governments, other
than those listed above after 18 years of age. None.
11. List all positions held as an officer, director, trustee,
partner, proprietor, agent, representative, or consultant of any
corporation, company, firm, partnership, or other business, enterprise,
educational, or other institution. None.
12. List all memberships you have had after 18 years of age or
currently hold with any civic, social, charitable, educational,
political, professional, fraternal, benevolent or religiously
affiliated organization, private club, or other membership organization
(You do not have to list your religious affiliation or membership in a
religious house of worship or institution). Include dates of membership
and any positions you have held with any organization. Please note
whether any such club or organization restricts membership on the basis
of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, or disability.
American Meteorological Society
13. Have you ever been a candidate for and/or held a public office
(elected, non-elected, or appointed)? If so, indicate whether any
campaign has any outstanding debt, the amount, and whether you are
personally liable for that debt. No.
14. List all memberships and offices held with and services
rendered to, whether compensated or not, any political party or
election committee within the past ten years. If you have held a paid
position or served in a formal or official advisory position (whether
compensated or not) in a political campaign within the past ten years,
identify the particulars of the campaign, including the candidate, year
of the campaign, and your title and responsibilities. None.
15. Itemize all political contributions to any individual, campaign
organization, political party, political action committee, or similar
entity of $200 or more for the past ten years.
Don Bacon for Congress, 10/21/2024--$260.25
Trump National Committee JFC, 09/06/2024--$260.25
Chuck Fleischmann, 4/17/2024--$500.00
Hal Rogers, 03/12/2024--$500.00
Tom Cole, 06/11/2024--$500.00
Dale Strong, 6/12/2024--100.00
Trump Victory, 09/29/2020--$250.00
Trump Victory, 2/24/2020--$1041.98
16. List all scholarships, fellowships, honorary degrees, honorary
society memberships, military medals, and any other special recognition
for outstanding service or achievements.
American Council on Germany, McCloy Fellowship on Global
Trends, October 2016. Berlin, Germany
17. List all books, articles, columns, letters to the editor,
Internet blog postings, or other publications you have authored,
individually or with others. Include a link to each publication when
possible. If a link is not available, provide a digital copy of the
publication when available. None.
18. List all speeches, panel discussions, and presentations (e.g.,
PowerPoint) that you have given on topics relevant to the position for
which you have been nominated. Include a link to each publication when
possible. If a link is not available, provide a digital copy of the
speech or presentation when available.
American Meteorological Society, Congressional Panel, 2016
American Meteorological Society, Congressional Panel, 2017
American Meteorological Society, Congressional Panel, 2019
19. List all public statements you have made during the past ten
years, including statements in news articles and radio and podcasts and
television appearances, which are on topics relevant to the position
for which you have been nominated, including dates. Include a link to
each statement when possible. If a link is not available, provide a
digital copy of the statement when available. None.
20. List all digital platforms (including social media and other
digital content sites) on which you currently or have formerly operated
an account, regardless of whether or not the account was held in your
name or an alias. Include the full name of an ``alias'' or ``handle'',
including the complete URL and username with hyperlinks, you have used
on each of the named platforms. Indicate whether the account is active,
deleted, or dormant. Include a link to each account if possible.
Twitter: www.x.com/thegreatesthoax
Instagram: www.instagram.com/thegreatesthoax
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-jordan-5915b94a
21. Please identify each instance in which you have testified
orally or in writing before Congress in a governmental or non-
governmental capacity and specify the date, committee, and subject
matter of each testimony. None.
22. Given the current mission, major programs, and major
operational objectives of the department/agency/commission/corporation
to which you have been nominated, what in your background or employment
experience do you believe affirmatively qualifies you for appointment
to the position for which you have been nominated, and why do you wish
to serve in that position?
My 14 years of experience in Washington DC have been centered on
expert knowledge of NOAA and its various programs. My work at the House
Science Committee as the Professional Staff Member overseeing NOAA, and
working directly at NOAA as the Senior Policy Advisor, qualify me for
this appointment. Since leaving NOAA and the Federal Government, I have
advocated on behalf of private sector companies and nonprofits that
work closely with NOAA. My experience working with NOAA at three
different vantage points give me a unique perspective and understanding
of NOAA's mission. If I am confirmed for this role, I wish to serve my
country again in Federal Government and ensure that critical programs
at NOAA serve the American people.
23. What do you believe are your responsibilities, if confirmed, to
ensure that the department/agency/commission/corporation has proper
management and accounting controls, and what experience do you have in
managing a large organization?
NOAA's mission is to protect lives and property. It does so through
accurate and timely weather forecasts. It is the responsibility of NOAA
leadership to ensure NOAA operates efficiently and effectively to
produce lifesaving forecasts. My responsibility as the Assistant
Secretary of Commerce for Environmental Observation and Prediction will
be to work closely with NOAA line offices to provide leadership and
help manage infrastructure and assets. In my experience working on the
House Science Committee, I had the opportunity work with staff and
Members from the entire U.S. House of Representatives to craft
legislation and conduct oversight on many environmental issues. During
my time at NOAA, I had the opportunity to work with countless
scientists and policy experts on issues of national importance, and
help push policy and consensus forward to improve agency success for
the American people.
24. What do you believe to be the top three challenges facing the
department/agency/commission/corporation, and why?
NOAA must face many challenges in the coming years. 1) NOAA must
ensure that its weather modelling and prediction capabilities remain
accurate and timely to protect American lives and property. NOAA has
long been a global leader in weather forecasting but has not kept pace
with international progress in recent years. 2) NOAA must ensure it
manages its data portfolio and associated infrastructure in a
responsible manner that is consistent with operational agency needs.
NOAA relies on vast networks of data and technologies that underpin
accurate weather forecasts. These systems should be scaled and improved
to increase accuracy and benefit to the American taxpayer. 3) NOAA must
ensure it manages costs and budget for large acquisitions such as its
satellite systems and potential future radar recapitalization efforts.
Historically, NOAA satellite programs have cost tens of billions of
dollars. While these systems remain critical, their portion of NOAA's
budget strains other operational mission functions. In the coming
years, NOAA will likely need to budget for next-generation weather
radar replacements and other large assets.
b. potential conflicts of interest
1. Describe all financial arrangements, deferred compensation
agreements, and other continuing dealings with business associates,
clients, or customers. Please include information related to retirement
accounts, such as a 401(k) or pension plan.
Innovative Federal Strategies (IFS) maintains a profit-sharing
(retirement) plan and makes contributions based on a formula
recommended by a Third-Party Administrator. I am due a contribution for
my employment in 2024 that totals $17,836.50. I expect that
contribution will be made to my profit-sharing account in June or July
of 2025. I will not be due a contribution for my employment in calendar
year 2025 based on the plan requirements.
IFS' outside counsel has advised the firm during my nomination
process, and I have de-registered from lobbying activities as of March
31, 2025 concurrent with my agreement with IFS not to make lobbying
contacts.
2. Do you have any commitments or agreements, formal or informal,
to maintain employment, affiliation, or practice with any business,
association, or other organization during your appointment? If so,
please explain.
I have no formal or informal commitments or agreements to maintain
employment, affiliation, or practice with any business, association, or
other organization during my appointment.
3. Indicate any investments, obligations, liabilities, or other
relationships which could involve potential conflicts of interest in
the position to which you have been nominated. Explain how you will
resolve each potential conflict of interest.
As part of my duties at Innovative Federal Strategies, I have
advocated and lobbied the legislative branch and executive branch,
including NOAA, on behalf of several companies. I will engage with
counsel at the agency to determine where it is appropriate and
necessary for me to recuse myself from matters involving Innovative
Federal Strategies and/or its current or former clients with whom I
worked. I will routinely engage with General Counsel to ensure I remain
compliant with applicable laws and regulations.
I do not hold any other investments, obligations, or liabilities
that could involve a potential conflict of interest.
4. Describe any business relationship, dealing, or financial
transaction which you have had during the last ten years, whether for
yourself, on behalf of a client, or acting as an agent, that could in
any way constitute or result in a possible conflict of interest in the
position to which you have been nominated. Explain how you will resolve
each potential conflict of interest.
As part of my duties at IFS over the last four years, I lobbied on
behalf of the firm's clients for issues related to NOAA. Clients of the
firm enter into agreements to provide lobbying services that interact
with Congressional offices as well as the Executive branch.
I will engage with NOAA ethics officials during my appointment to
determine where it is appropriate to recuse myself from certain
contractual issues that involve companies that I lobbied on behalf of
during my tenure at IFS.
5. Identify any other potential conflicts of interest and explain
how you will resolve each potential conflict of interest.
I am not aware of any other potential conflicts of interest that
have not otherwise been disclosed.
6. Describe any activity during the past ten years, including the
names of clients represented, in which you have been engaged for the
purpose of directly or indirectly influencing the passage, defeat, or
modification of any legislation or affecting the administration and
execution of law or public policy.
During my time at IFS, I have lobbied on behalf of multiple clients
of the firm, primarily during the Congressional Appropriations process.
I have lobbied for the below companies at various points over the last
four years:
AccuWeather
Arianespace
Association for the Advancement of AI
Care Weather Technologies
Covax
Ethereal Space
Exail Inc.
FLYHT
GreenSight Inc.
Ideanomics
Interos
KSAT
Lynker
Meetkai Inc.
Ocean Power Technologies
Orbital Micro Systems
Phoenix Operations
PlanetiQ
Research and Education Coalition for Ocean Science
SmallSat Alliance
Spatial Informatics Group
Spire Global
Stephenson Technologies Corporation
Ultra Safe Nuclear
WindBorne Systems
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Xerox Corp
Xplore
c. legal matters
1. Have you ever been disciplined or cited for a breach of ethics,
professional misconduct, or retaliation by, or been the subject of a
complaint to, any court, administrative agency, the Office of Special
Counsel, an Inspector General, professional association, disciplinary
committee, or other professional group? No.
2. Have you ever been investigated, arrested, charged, or held by
any Federal, State, or other law enforcement authority of any Federal,
State, county, municipal, or foreign government entity, other than for
a minor traffic offense? If so, please explain.
Yes, in 2007 I was arrested for misdemeanor possession of marijuana
during my freshman year of college. I was ordered to do community
service and probation. I have since had my record expunged, however I
do continue to list this offense on my SF-86 documentation. I have no
other offenses.
3. Have you or any business or nonprofit of which you are or were
an officer ever been involved as a party in an administrative agency
proceeding, criminal proceeding, or civil litigation? If so, please
explain. No.
4. Have you ever been convicted (including pleas of guilty or nolo
contendere) of any criminal violation other than a minor traffic
offense? If so, please explain. No.
5. Have you ever been accused, formally or informally, of sexual
assault, sexual harassment, or discrimination on the basis of sex,
race, religion, or any other basis? If so, please explain. No.
6. Please advise the Committee of any additional information,
favorable or unfavorable, which you feel should be disclosed in
connection with your nomination. None.
d. relationship with committee
1. Will you ensure that your department/agency/commission/
corporation complies with deadlines for information set by
congressional committees, and that your department/agency/commission/
corporation endeavors to timely comply with requests for information
from individual Members of Congress, including requests from members in
the minority? Yes.
2. Will you ensure that your department/agency/commission/
corporation does whatever it can to protect congressional witnesses and
whistleblowers from reprisal for their testimony and disclosures? Yes.
3. Will you cooperate in providing the Committee with requested
witnesses, including technical experts and career employees, with
firsthand knowledge of matters of interest to the Committee? Yes.
4. Are you willing to appear and testify before any duly
constituted committee of the Congress on such occasions as you may be
reasonably requested to do so? Yes.
______
The Chairman. Thank you. Mr. Kumar.
STATEMENT OF HARRY KUMAR, NOMINEE TO BE AN
ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR
LEGISLATIVE AND INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS
Mr. Kumar. Chairman Cruz, Ranking Member Cantwell, and
distinguished members of the Senate Commerce Committee, I am
honored to appear before you today as the nominee to serve as
Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Legislative and
Intergovernmental Affairs.
I am deeply grateful to President Trump for my nomination,
to Secretary Lutnick for his leadership of the Department, and
to this committee for its consideration of my nomination.
Before I begin, I want to express my deepest gratitude to those
joining me here today, including my parents, Drs. Nat and Saku
Kumar, whose unwavering support and example have profoundly
shaped my commitment to public service.
And my better half, Ali, whose love, encouragement, and
support have been my foundation throughout this journey. I am a
native Texan who grew up in the Southeast Texas town of
Beaumont. I was fortunate to be raised in a community that
taught me the value of hard work, determination, and service.
And I am grateful to have the support of countless family
and friends who have helped shape my journey to this point. My
heart remains with my home state and to all those affected in
the wake of last weekend's tragic events.
I come before you filled with both humility and a strong
sense of purpose. I believe my accumulated experience,
including my prior work, in legislative affairs at the
Department of Commerce during President Trump's first term, and
as a staffer in this body, will serve me well in faithfully
executing the responsibilities of the Assistant Secretary
position.
In previous roles across both the Legislative and Executive
branches, I have worked to build bipartisan consensus, navigate
complex environments, and strengthen the relationship between
government and the communities it serves. If confirmed, I will
bring that same approach to the Assistant Secretary role,
grounded in transparency, responsiveness, and collaboration.
The Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs
plays a vital role in connecting the Department's work with
Congress, State and local governments, and tribal partners. If
confirmed, I will focus on three key priorities. Number one,
timely responsiveness. Prioritizing clear, proactive
communication with Members of Congress and their staff. Number
two, intergovernmental partnership.
Deepening coordination with Governors, Mayors, and tribal
leaders to ensure that the opportunities and challenges facing
communities are understood by the Commerce Department. And
number three, bipartisan collaboration. Working across the
aisle to achieve the goals shared by all Americans, such as
economic growth, revitalizing U.S. manufacturing, and
protecting American innovation.
Across the Department's diverse mission, from supporting
U.S. exporters and small businesses, to safeguarding critical
supply chains and our domestic seafood industry, success
depends on strong relationships. I believe that effective
public policy is built through engagement, trust, and shared
accountability.
If confirmed, I will work to ensure that the Commerce
Department is a reliable partner to Congress and to governments
at every level. In closing, I am deeply grateful for the
Committee's consideration of my nomination. I wholeheartedly
believe in the mission of the Department of Commerce, which is
to create the conditions for economic growth and opportunity
for all communities.
I look forward to working closely with members of this
committee to strengthen that mission. Thank you, and I look
forward to your questions.
[The prepared statement and biographical information of Mr.
Kumar follow:]
Prepared Statement of Harry Kumar, Nominee for Assistant Secretary of
Commerce for Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs
Chairman Cruz, Ranking Member Cantwell, and distinguished Members
of the Senate Commerce Committee:
I am honored to appear before you today as the nominee to serve as
Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Legislative and Intergovernmental
Affairs. I am deeply grateful to President Trump for my nomination, to
Secretary Lutnick for confidence in me, and to this Committee for its
consideration of my nomination.
Before I begin, I want to express my deepest gratitude to those
joining me today, including my parents, whose unwavering support and
example have profoundly shaped my commitment to public service, and my
better half, Ali, whose love, encouragement, and support have been my
foundation throughout this journey. Additionally, I am very grateful to
have the support of countless family and friends who have helped shape
my journey to this point.
I am a native Texan who was born in Houston and grew up in
Southeast Texas, in the town of Beaumont. I was fortunate to be raised
in a community that taught me the value of hard work, humility, and
service and am forever grateful for the community that helped raise me.
I come before you filled with both humility and a strong sense of
purpose. I believe my accumulated experience--including my prior work
in Legislative Affairs at the Department of Commerce during President
Trump's first term and as a staffer in this body--will serve me well in
faithfully executing the responsibilities of the Assistant Secretary
Position.
In previous roles--across both the legislative and executive
branches--I have worked to build bipartisan consensus, navigate complex
environments, and strengthen the relationship between government and
the communities it serves. If confirmed, I will bring that same
approach to the Assistant Secretary role grounded in transparency,
responsiveness, and collaboration.
The Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs plays a
vital role in connecting the Department's work with Congress, state and
local governments, and tribal partners. If confirmed, I will focus on
three key priorities:
1. Timely responsiveness--prioritizing clear, proactive
communication with members of Congress and their staff.
2. Intergovernmental partnership--deepening coordination with
governors, mayors, and tribal leaders to ensure that the
opportunities and challenges facing communities are understood
by the Commerce Department.
3. Bipartisan collaboration--working across the aisle to achieve the
goals shared by all Americans, such as economic growth,
revitalizing U.S. manufacturing, and protecting American
innovation.
Across the Department's diverse mission--from supporting U.S.
exporters and small businesses to safeguarding critical supply chains
and our domestic seafood industry--success depends on strong
relationships. I believe that effective public policy is built through
engagement, trust, and shared accountability.
If confirmed, I will work to ensure that the Commerce Department is
a reliable partner to Congress and to governments at every level. That
includes ensuring timely and accurate information, engaging state and
local voices in Federal policymaking, and building a culture of
openness and respect.
In closing, I am deeply grateful for the Committee's consideration
of my nomination. I wholeheartedly believe in the mission of the
Department of Commerce, which is to create the conditions for economic
growth and opportunity for all communities, and in the value of
principled, responsive government. I look forward to working closely
with members of this Committee to strengthen that mission.
Thank you, and I look forward to your questions.
______
a. biographical information
1. Name (Include any former names or nicknames used): Harry Haran
Kumar.
2. Position to which nominated: Assistant Secretary for Office of
Legislative & Intergovernmental Affairs.
3. Date of Nomination: 3/10/2025.
4. Address (List current place of residence and office addresses):
Residence: Information not released to the public.
Office: Information not provided.
5. Date and Place of Birth: 12/15/1987; Houston, Texas.
6. Provide the name, position, and place of employment for your
spouse (if married) or domestic partner, and the names and ages of your
children (including stepchildren and children by a previous marriage).
Alexandra Jasien, Senior Manager, Chanel.
7. List all college and graduate schools attended, whether or not
you were granted a degree by the institution. Provide the name of the
institution, the dates attended, the degree received, and the date of
the degree.
Texas A&M University, August 2007-May 2010, Bachelor of Arts
in Political Science, degree granted in May 2010.
Texas Tech University School of Law, August 2010-May 2013,
Doctor of Jurisprudence, degree granted in May 2013.
8. List all post-undergraduate employment, including the job title,
name of employer, and inclusive dates of employment, and highlight all
management-level jobs held and any non-managerial jobs that relate to
the position for which you are nominated.
Public Policy Fellowship, Consumer Energy Alliance (June
2011-August 2011)
Attorney, Toeppich & Associates, (September 2013-November
2014)
Legislative and Policy Aide, HBW Resources (November 2014-
April 2015)
Legislative Counsel for Rep. Randy Weber (April 2015-March
2017)
Legislative Assistant for Sen. Marco Rubio (March 2017-
November 2019)
Associate Director of Legislative Affairs at Dept of
Commerce (November 2019-January 2021)
Director of Government Relations, Li-Cycle (March 2021-
January 2025)
Senior Advisor, Department of Commerce (January 2025 to
current)
9. Attach a copy of your resume.
Attached.
10. List any advisory, consultative, honorary, or other part-time
service or positions with Federal, State, or local governments, other
than those listed above after 18 years of age.
Not applicable.
11. List all positions held as an officer, director, trustee,
partner, proprietor, agent, representative, or consultant of any
corporation, company, firm, partnership, or other business, enterprise,
educational, or other institution.
Not applicable.
12. List all memberships you have had after 18 years of age or
currently hold with any civic, social, charitable, educational,
political, professional, fraternal, benevolent or religiously
affiliated organization, private club, or other membership organization
(You do not have to list your religious affiliation or membership in a
religious house of worship or institution). Include dates of membership
and any positions you have held with any organization. Please note
whether any such club or organization restricts membership on the basis
of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, or disability.
Sigma Phi Epsilon, Texas A&M University (April 2008-May
2010)
American Swiss Foundation (October 2023 to present)
13. Have you ever been a candidate for and/or held a public office
(elected, non-elected, or appointed)? If so, indicate whether any
campaign has any outstanding debt, the amount, and whether you are
personally liable for that debt.
Not applicable.
14. List all memberships and offices held with and services
rendered to, whether compensated or not, any political party or
election committee within the past ten years. If you have held a paid
position or served in a formal or official advisory position (whether
compensated or not) in a political campaign within the past ten years,
identify the particulars of the campaign, including the candidate, year
of the campaign, and your title and responsibilities.
Not applicable.
15. Itemize all political contributions to any individual, campaign
organization, political party, political action committee, or similar
entity of $200 or more for the past ten years.
Not applicable.
16. List all scholarships, fellowships, honorary degrees, honorary
society memberships, military medals, and any other special recognition
for outstanding service or achievements.
Eagle Scout Award Recipient (2006)
17. List all books, articles, columns, letters to the editor,
Internet blog postings, or other publications you have authored,
individually or with others. Include a link to each publication when
possible. If a link is not available, provide a digital copy of the
publication when available.
Article: Developing a Sustainable Advanced-Battery Supply
Chain Through Innovative Critical Mineral Recycling, Zero
Emission Transportation Association (ZETA), 7/19/2021.
18. List all speeches, panel discussions, and presentations (e.g.,
PowerPoint) that you have given on topics relevant to the position for
which you have been nominated. Include a link to each publication when
possible. If a link is not available, provide a digital copy of the
speech or presentation when available.
Panel: Better Batteries: Equity & Environmental Impacts
Roadmap Conference, 6/29/2022 https://www.roadmapforth.org/
RM22/speaker/462287/harry-kumar
Presentation: Annual Meeting, National Association of State
Energy Officials, 10/2021. No hyperlink available.
Panel: Unlocking the Value of Secondary Cobalt, Cobalt
Congress 5/14/2024. https://www.cobaltinstitute.org/programme-
2024/.
19. List all public statements you have made during the past ten
years, including statements in news articles and radio and podcasts and
television appearances, which are on topics relevant to the position
for which you have been nominated, including dates. Include a link to
each statement when possible. If a link is not available, provide a
digital copy of the statement when available.
Not applicable.
20. List all digital platforms (including social media and other
digital content sites) on which you currently or have formerly operated
an account, regardless of whether or not the account was held in your
name or an alias. Include the full name of an ``alias'' or ``handle'',
including the complete URL and username with hyperlinks, you have used
on each of the named platforms. Indicate whether the account is active,
deleted, or dormant. Include a link to each account if possible.
Instagram: @haroldnkumar87; active;
https://www.instagram.com/haroldnkumar87/
Facebook: Harry Kumar; active;
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=27432578
Twitter: @harrykumar87; active; https://x.com/HarryKumar87
LinkedIn: Harry Kumar; active; https://www.linkedin.com/in/
harry-kumar-29142585/
21. Please identify each instance in which you have testified
orally or in writing before Congress in a governmental or non-
governmental capacity and specify the date, committee, and subject
matter of each testimony.
Not applicable.
22. Given the current mission, major programs, and major
operational objectives of the department/agency/commission/corporation
to which you have been nominated, what in your background or employment
experience do you believe affirmatively qualifies you for appointment
to the position for which you have been nominated, and why do you wish
to serve in that position?
I have significant experience in legislative and congressional
engagement, including prior service at the Department of Commerce in
the Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs as Associate
Director. I also have served in the U.S. House of Representatives and
the U.S. Senate, so I have had the privilege of working in both
chambers and gaining an understanding of the rules and functions of
each.
23. What do you believe are your responsibilities, if confirmed, to
ensure that the department/agency/commission/corporation has proper
management and accounting controls, and what experience do you have in
managing a large organization?
I believe the responsibilities of this position include advising
the Secretary and members of the Commerce organization on the
Department's relationships with members of Congress, committees, and
staff. Proper management includes ensuring that systems are in place to
track incoming congressional requests and ensuring that communication
with Congress is always prioritized. My prior experience as Associate
Director of Legislative Affairs at the Department of Commerce helped me
gain significant experience in understanding the processes and
accounting measures needed to ensure the Legislative Affairs Office at
Commerce is being responsive to Congress and proactive when possible.
24. What do you believe to be the top three challenges facing the
department/agency/commission/corporation, and why?
The top three challenges facing the Department are strengthening
domestic supply chains and economic security, AI and emerging
technology regulation, and trade policy and global economic
competition. Regarding domestic supply chains, the U.S. needs to reduce
its reliance on foreign sources, particularly China, for advanced
manufacturing like semiconductors and critical minerals.
Regarding AI and emerging tech, the Commerce Department plays an
important role in ensuring a cohesive strategy is implemented to
promote innovation while balancing against strategic geopolitical risks
with the use of export controls. Finally, trade policy is an area where
the Commerce Department plays a leading role in advising the President
on both trade enforcement and promotion.
b. potential conflicts of interest
1. Describe all financial arrangements, deferred compensation
agreements, and other continuing dealings with business associates,
clients, or customers. Please include information related to retirement
accounts, such as a 401(k) or pension plan.
I have a Schwab investment account and 401k account that is managed
by Schwab investment advisors. I also have a 401k account from my
employment with Li-Cycle that is made up of broad-based index
investments, and I have not had any interaction with that account since
I started at the Department of Commerce.
2. Do you have any commitments or agreements, formal or informal,
to maintain employment, affiliation, or practice with any business,
association, or other organization during your appointment? If so,
please explain. No.
3. Indicate any investments, obligations, liabilities, or other
relationships which could involve potential conflicts of interest in
the position to which you have been nominated. Explain how you will
resolve each potential conflict of interest.
Not applicable.
4. Describe any business relationship, dealing, or financial
transaction which you have had during the last ten years, whether for
yourself, on behalf of a client, or acting as an agent, that could in
any way constitute or result in a possible conflict of interest in the
position to which you have been nominated. Explain how you will resolve
each potential conflict of interest.
Not applicable.
5. Identify any other potential conflicts of interest and explain
how you will resolve each potential conflict of interest.
I have worked with the Office of Government Ethics (OGE) at the
Department of Commerce to provide a complete list of my prior
employment and finances. In consultation with OGE, I have recused
myself from matters pertaining to Li-Cycle where I previously was
employed and Chanel where my fiancee is currently employed.
6. Describe any activity during the past ten years, including the
names of clients represented, in which you have been engaged for the
purpose of directly or indirectly influencing the passage, defeat, or
modification of any legislation or affecting the administration and
execution of law or public policy.
At Li-Cycle, I worked on policy matters related to clean energy and
battery recycling. This included helping provide oral and written
feedback on various legislative efforts, including IRA related tax
provisions. No work was done specifically to influence the passage or
defeat of any bill but was done on a few occasions to provide Li-
Cycle's feedback on policy items of interest.
c. legal matters
1. Have you ever been disciplined or cited for a breach of ethics,
professional misconduct, or retaliation by, or been the subject of a
complaint to, any court, administrative agency, the Office of Special
Counsel, an Inspector General, professional association, disciplinary
committee, or other professional group? If yes:
a. Provide the name of the court, agency, association, committee, or
group;
b. Provide the date the citation, disciplinary action, complaint, or
personnel action was issued or initiated;
c. Describe the citation, disciplinary action, complaint, or
personnel action;
d. Provide the results of the citation, disciplinary action,
complaint, or personnel action.
Not applicable.
2. Have you ever been investigated, arrested, charged, or held by
any Federal, State, or other law enforcement authority of any Federal,
State, county, municipal, or foreign government entity, other than for
a minor traffic offense? If so, please explain.
Yes, I received citations for a minor in possession of
alcohol and for public intoxication in 2007. I was having a
beer on a friend's dock at a lake house and game wardens saw us
and gave us citations. For my public intoxication ticket, an
officer noticed I was under the influence and arrested me. I
was charged public intoxication but received deferred
adjudication after completing a required alcohol awareness
class and community service.
3. Have you or any business or nonprofit of which you are or were
an officer ever been involved as a party in an administrative agency
proceeding, criminal proceeding, or civil litigation? If so, please
explain. None.
4. Have you ever been convicted (including pleas of guilty or nolo
contendere) of any criminal violation other than a minor traffic
offense? If so, please explain.
None besides the above mentioned.
5. Have you ever been accused, formally or informally, of sexual
assault, sexual harassment, or discrimination on the basis of sex,
race, religion, or any other basis? If so, please explain. None.
6. Please advise the Committee of any additional information,
favorable or unfavorable, which you feel should be disclosed in
connection with your nomination. None.
d. relationship with committee
1. Will you ensure that your department/agency/commission/
corporation complies with deadlines for information set by
congressional committees, and that your department/agency/commission/
corporation endeavors to timely comply with requests for information
from individual Members of Congress, including requests from members in
the minority? Yes.
2. Will you ensure that your department/agency/commission/
corporation does whatever it can to protect congressional witnesses and
whistleblowers from reprisal for their testimony and disclosures? Yes.
3. Will you cooperate in providing the Committee with requested
witnesses, including technical experts and career employees, with
firsthand knowledge of matters of interest to the Committee? Yes.
4. Are you willing to appear and testify before any duly
constituted committee of the Congress on such occasions as you may be
reasonably requested to do so? Yes.
The Chairman. Thank you very much. Dr. Jacobs let's start
with you. You and I discussed at length yesterday the flooding
that occurred in Texas and the tragedy that unfolded. As the
head of NOAA, which oversees the National Weather service, if
confirmed, what will you do to better ensure that Americans are
aware of and able to respond to emergency weather warnings,
especially those that arrive in the middle of the night?
Mr. Jacobs. Thank you for the question. As I said in my
opening statement, numerical weather prediction and advancing
that is a top priority. And, you know, the Weather Service did
a great job, but there is a lot of things I would love to
improve, obviously weather forecasting being one of them. I
would also love to advance and modernize NOAA Weather Radio.
NOAA Weather Radio saved my life in 1996. There are a lot
of other things we can do as far as communications, because as
you said, even if the forecast is perfect, getting the warnings
to the people, particularly at late hours of the night, is a
challenge. I think we can do more advancements, moving away
from copper wire, moving toward telecom, potentially satellite,
to send out these messages. We also need more data in doing
post-storm assessments.
One of the things that I have envisioned, because I have
worked on several aviation accidents with NTSB, is something
along the lines of what they do, but for weather disasters.
Because we need the data to understand what went right, what
went wrong, whether people got the warnings, if they did or
didn't. And if they did, did they not understand them.
The Chairman. You mentioned that NOAA Weather Radio had
saved your life. Would you elaborate on that and tell us what
happened?
Mr. Jacobs. I was at a campsite in Florida with some
friends, and it issued a tornado alert. And it was about 10
p.m., and this was back before I had a cell phone or
smartphone, and I took out a gazetteer.
And I looked at the towns that it mentioned along the way,
and I extrapolated the direction, which was right over where I
knew we were. And so, I drove around the campsite and held my
horn down and told as many people as I could to leave, and
everyone left.
We went further down the coast to a hospital and went into
the emergency room because it was the closest brick building.
When we went back to the campsite, it was nothing but bare
dirt.
The Chairman. Wow. In 2017, Hurricane Harvey devastated
entire communities all up and down Texas' Gulf Coast. The
damage to our state was well over $120 billion and may prove to
be closer to $180 billion when all is said and done.
Texans prepare for hurricanes and flooding by using NOAA's
weather forecasts. But European numerical weather prediction
models have been outperforming U.S. models in forecasting. It
is a question for both Dr. Jacobs and Mr. Jordan. If confirmed,
how do you plan to close the gap and ensure that NOAA's
forecasts are the best in the world?
Mr. Jacobs. Closing the gap is going to require a mix of
collecting more and better observations because these
prediction are initial value problems. They all start from
better observations. And then data assimilation. So, joint
effort for data integration and data assimilation system.
One of the reasons why the Europeans have a better model
than the U.S. is they use four dimensional variational data
assimilation. The U.S. needs to advance its data assimilation
where it can also consolidate its modeling systems across
resolutions of time and space.
The Chairman. Mr. Jordan.
Mr. Jordan. I agree with Dr. Jacobs. So of the pillars of
creating a weather forecast, you have model code development,
you have observations, you have data assimilation, and you have
supercomputing or HPC to run the forecasts.
As far as observation goes, we absolutely need to push the
technology stack forward and ingest new sources of data but,
you know, the Europeans also have that same data. So, you know,
what is the difference between the American modeling and the
European modeling? It is--part of it is model code development
and data assimilation.
And I think we need a targeted investment into data
assimilation to make sure that we can push that ball forward
and have a better weather forecast.
The Chairman. Dr. Jacobs, one of the things you and I
talked about yesterday was your vision for expanding cloud
computing for weather forecasting. Can you describe what you
envision there?
Mr. Jacobs. Sure. So, one of the things that I think is--
would be a tremendous leap forward for the National Weather
Service is the system that they process the information on
called AWIPS, they have to download the data locally.
And the higher resolution files get, whether it is data or
model output, the longer it takes them to get that information.
That is one issue. The other issue is they have to be behind
the computer to do this work.
And I think transitioning this software to the cloud so
they are actually uploading the code instead of downloading the
data, as well as having the ability to have a laptop so they
can access it from anywhere, it not only improves their ability
to get the data faster, but it would allow a forecaster from
anywhere to do a forecast for anywhere.
The Chairman. And so, you were saying this would enable
forecasters from the National Weather Service to embed an
emergency operations center and be right there on the ground in
a crisis?
Mr. Jacobs. Correct. Yes, they don't--they could literally
work from anywhere. And so, embedding in the emergency
management centers, particularly during major weather events,
would be really advantageous.
The Chairman. OK, last question. It is an ongoing problem,
particularly in South Texas, dealing with illegal Mexican
fishermen, lanchas coming in and illegally fishing Texas red
snapper. The Coast Guard fights against it. The Federal
Government fights against. This illegal fishing is actually
paid for by Mexican drug cartels in many instances. Dr. Jacobs,
what more can NOAA do to combat the problem of illegal fishing
in Texas?
Mr. Jacobs. I appreciate the question. IUU fishing is
another top priority of mine. As you know, just recently, 40
tons of red snapper were seized at a port in Brazil that were
headed toward the U.S. As well as this last April, around 700
pounds of red snapper was seized just off of Brownsville from
Mexican fishermen that were illegally fishing in U.S. waters. I
think it is a mix of new technology. There are ways, when these
boats turn off their transponders, to track them through
satellites.
I also think as part of combating IUU, the Seafood
Inspection Monitoring Program, beefing up that, actually
looking at potentially--not just for like fishing, but like
aquaculture things like shrimp that are brought into the U.S. A
lot of people aren't aware, but almost all that shrimp is
mislabeled. So, understanding the origins of the seafood.
The Chairman. Thank you very much. Ranking Member Cantwell.
Senator Cantwell. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Following up a
little bit on your line of questioning since you approached
this. Certainly, Dr. Jacobs, as I mentioned in my opening
statement, I am concerned about the 27 percent budget cuts, and
particularly the Atmospheric--the Oceanic and Atmospheric
Research Organization itself and the people.
But to get this right, following on Senator Cruz's
questioning, you know, we had a less tragic event, but no less
tragic event, out on the Olympic Peninsula. The NOAA Weather
Forecast Service said, no, you don't need a Doppler. And we are
like, yes, we do, because we have a mountain range that is
blocking the information. The NOAA Weather Service said, no,
you don't, and we said, yes we do. And then we had 100 year
event that killed people and did unbelievable damage, and all
of a sudden the NOAA Weather Forecaster said, yes, we are going
to help you.
Actually, we helped get the Doppler. Now, we still have a
community that we have information. But guess what? Every day
we live there with the threat of a tsunami, and we have built a
tower, but that is it. There is no real coordination with that
community. I mean, the bottom line here is we have beautiful
places around the United States of America, and people want to
go visit them and live there--and they do.
But guess what? They are not the most resourced communities
in our country. Then the question becomes, what do we do to
provide the emergency response, whether it is fire, or
hurricane, or tsunami, you know, or tornado--what do we do?
Now, you mentioned the radio, and I want to get to that
communication level.
But I want to start with just the basic research. Because
at that same event, when we got the Doppler and we got tower, I
said, so now we are done, right? And they were like, no, we are
not done. I said well, why is that? They said, Senator, because
every particle in a storm is its own algorithm, and we could be
computing this, and we could tell you two weeks in advance what
the storm is likely to do if we put in the supercomputing time.
So I have no idea why in heck our Nation lets the European
model get ahead of us. I have no idea why we do this when all
we need to do is use Senator Blackburn's supercomputing time at
their national lab and put the resources behind it. So let's
start with that. Should we be putting more resources into
super-computing time so we can predict storms further out?
Mr. Jacobs. Well, obviously, high performance
supercomputer--these physics based algorithms need a lot of it.
And one of the things, one of priorities of mine is advancing
numerical weather prediction.
But the reason why--one the reasons why the American model
was lagging the European model was not just lack of compute,
but the code wasn't architected to run on certain computers.
Senator Cantwell. We are going to let somebody else--I am
not letting somebody else out code us. OK, trust me. Coming
from Seattle, I am not letting--that is--we--this is all
doable. It is about whether----
Mr. Jacobs. Oh, I agree.
Senator Cantwell.--we have the resources and the
investment. And I am saying, let's make the investment. Let's--
--
Mr. Jacobs. I agree.
Senator Cantwell. And you agree is what I am trying to get
at. You agree, let's put the investment into this.
Mr. Jacobs. High performance computing, cloud-based high
performance computing is critically important. Another thing I
would like to point out is once we transition that code to
architectures that even industry could run, now we have private
industry investing in developing the same code.
Senator Cantwell. OK. Look, I am all for that, but I want
you to maintain your role. And I think that the difference here
is--and we do that. Believe it or not, the University of
Washington has probably helped this community plan for an
eventual tsunami more than anybody has because they have
outlined. So it comes to the second point, which I just want to
drill down on, because we are having this problem now with not
having these forecasters.
The fire situation I mentioned, we woke up one day and
looked--the meteorologist from NOAA said, oh, I am over in
Seattle and this all--this is, you know, here's--a totally
different picture. Central Washington, because they didn't have
a meteorologist in that region on the ground, predicted
something else and sent people out.
Sent people out and they died, and because the fire was too
volatile given the high winds. So we have been a big believer
in having that local meteorologist and having that coordination
when you know what the local weather event is going to be. So
you are not suggesting that we can do all of this some sort--
regionally or through the private sector?
Mr. Jacobs. No, no, no.
Senator Cantwell. OK. I want to clarify this because this
is what is going on now when we shortchange resources. And I
don't want for fire season to be shortchanging resources. These
events come up in very dramatic form and can happen, and we
need the accuracy.
And the last thing is, I want to see--I hope, given all of
my experiences, and we also, you know, we have had a lot of
natural disasters in the State of Washington. We had the Oso
mudslide, which also killed 40 people. A lot less planning to
do there, but weather event information could have probably put
data out to the community.
But the point is, somewhere we all, we all collectively,
have to come to a conclusion about what we are going to do when
we have massive populations in communities that you actually
have to have an implementation plan. So whose responsibility is
that implementation plan?
And so, we see it all the time because the gap--NOAA says,
OK, well, I am going to give you the information, and then it
is a rural community, and they don't have the plan. So, as I
said, University of Washington is filling that gap.
So, what can we do now that we have had 27 extreme events
this year, what can we to help communities get better plans?
Mr. Jacobs. Well, going back to your Weather Service
question, if confirmed, I will ensure that staffing the Weather
Service Office is its top priority. It is really important for
the people to be there because they have relationships with the
people in the local community. They are a trusted source. I
didn't mean to imply that this was going to be regionalized or
anything. As I mentioned----
Senator Cantwell. Well, some people have suggested that the
private sector, you could just do it in one location. And I am
just trying to get to this point that this regional data and
integration with the emergency responders is critical.
Mr. Jacobs. Oh, consolidating the data, not consolidating
the people. I would love for the people to be more embedded in
the community.
Senator Cantwell. Thank you. Thank you for that answer.
Could you just tell me about stock assessment as in salmon and
pac-surf, and your commitment to that?
Mr. Jacobs. Stock assessment is obviously a huge priority
of mine. If confirmed, I will do everything I can to get them
back on track. I realize that it is a sensitive issue because
without the quotas set properly from the stock assessment data,
the fishermen can't fish. It is a very important priority.
Senator Cantwell. And pac-surf?
Mr. Jacobs. Yes. Pacific salmon, obviously critical to the
culture, the economy, has my support. You know, if confirmed, I
would welcome the opportunity to advocate for this.
Senator Cantwell. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
The Chairman. Thank you. Senator Moran.
STATEMENT OF HON. JERRY MORAN,
U.S. SENATOR FROM KANSAS
Senator Moran. Mr. Chairman, thank you. And Kansans, we are
all glued to the television, listening to the news, watching
what transpired in Texas this weekend with great care and
compassion, concern, and sympathy. And I share that with my
fellow Kansans. We are not immune from significant weather
events ourselves.
One of those weather events, Dr. Jacobs or Mr. Jordan,
occurred in Kansas about a month ago. It was an EF3 tornado.
When that tornado occurred, the Weather Forecast Offices in
Kansas and across the country, some of them lacked 24/7
coverage given hiring freezes.
I worked with NOAA and the Department of Commerce to lift
that Federal hiring freeze for meteorologists and other
specialists to ensure uninterrupted service. Goodland, Kansas,
which is on the Colorado line, the Western part of our state,
was short meteorologists because of the hiring freeze, and we
are bringing in or attempting to bring in other meteorologists
from other National Weather Service Stations, Forecast Offices.
I am pleased the freeze has been lifted.
Today's Politico Magazine has an article about that none of
those positions have been posted for hiring. I don't know the
veracity of that article, but can you bring any light to that
in your past experience, or what needs to take place once the
hiring freeze is lifted, but the positions are not yet filled?
Mr. Jacobs. I don't know the exact details of why that is
because I am not there yet, but I really appreciate you
advocating to lift the hiring freeze and getting that done. I
also appreciate your legislation to classify them as public
safety.
It is not a very quick process, but it is my understanding
that the National Weather Service has direct hiring authority,
which could expedite that. And also the potential to relocate
people. So if confirmed, like I said, getting these offices
staffed up will be a top priority.
Senator Moran. Well, Dr. Jacobs, if you see any opportunity
for me and others on this committee, or in our Appropriations
process to help speed that along, please let me know.
And I was going to highlight for you what you already
mentioned. Senator Peters, also a member of this committee, and
an appropriator, we have introduced legislation, as you
mentioned. And I appreciate your statement of support, as well
as Mr. Jordan's head nodding.
So, thank you. What can I--what could you tell me about the
technology and capabilities? We have four weather forecast
offices in Kansas--Topeka, Dodge City, Goodland, and Wichita.
Would I expect that they would have the best technologies
that are available and utilized across the country, or is there
something different about rural Kansas, rural America that
would diminish the capabilities that our forecasters have
because of technology and equipment?
Mr. Jacobs. I don't believe there is anything unique to
your region that would limit the technologies or capabilities.
My hope is that a lot of these technologies that would
advance this are not just nationwide, but global, because as we
transition to a larger scale model, a global modeling system to
lengthen the forecast horizon, we are going to need these
technologies collecting data worldwide.
Senator Moran. That is one of my goals in light of what has
transpired on a number of occasions and--is to make certain
that all Weather National Forecast Centers have the latest,
best technologies, and would work with you and NOAA to achieve
that. We are also interested in NOAA and NWS radars that are
nearing their end of their life.
Several efforts are underway to recapitalize the system,
including next gen--next generation radar. In addition to that,
the hurricane hunter aircraft are essential tools for
preparation for and preparing for severe weather and are in
need of significant maintenance repair and overhaul or
replacement.
Would you plan, as NOAA Administrator, to ensure these
critical instruments are upgraded and replaced?
Mr. Jacobs. Yes.
Senator Moran. And let me turn to Mr. Kumar. You have had
no questions this morning. You must be a good bridge builder. I
noticed for your alma maters are two universities in the State
of Texas that I know are not necessarily friendly to each
other.
So, I look forward to you using those circumstances to
allow Congress and the Administration to work well together,
and Republicans and Democrats to reach good conclusions. What I
want to highlight for you is the Department of Commerce,
including NOAA, has not completed its spend plan for this
current fiscal year, last year's fiscal year.
So the appropriators do not have the data that is required
by law for the Department of Commerce to provide us. And I
would encourage you, if confirmed, to see if you can make that
happen. And it is useful for us, certainly in our oversight of
the Department of Commerce, but also in helping make decisions
about where to make investments and what is taking place at the
Department.
So would you commit to me that you would see that the
Department of Commerce, including NOAA, follows the law. And
that the spend plan, to the detail that it is required by law
to be provided to the Appropriations Committee, will be
provided?
Mr. Kumar. Thank you for the question, Senator. Yes, I
understand fully the importance of spend plans. And if
confirmed, I will make sure to work with you and your office to
ensure that you all are given the appropriate information as
requested.
Senator Moran. Thank you. Thank you all very much.
The Chairman. Thank you. Senator Kim.
STATEMENT OF HON. ANDY KIM,
U.S. SENATOR FROM NEW JERSEY
Senator Kim. Thank you, Chairman. And Chairman, I just want
to start by just expressing my deep sadness for the tragedy in
Texas. Just really horrific. And as I am a parent of a, you
know, 7-year-old and 9-year-old, kids that are going to camp
this summer, I mean, I know so many parents and families are--
you know, are just so heartbroken and feel shattered by what
has happened.
And I express the urgency of trying to figure out not only
how we can better predict and have an early warning system, but
how to get that information out to people as quickly as
possible. In my home state in New Jersey, you know, we suffered
from Superstorm Sandy, from Hurricane Ida, other things like
that.
Dr. Jacobs, you and I talked about this briefly but, you
know, just building on what you talked to the Chairman and
others about, these early warning systems, there has been talk
about even using--you know, even just using sirens similar to
what we have done for tornadoes in this country.
As far as I know, we don't--do you know of any usage of
sirens when it comes to flooding in the United States at this
point?
Mr. Jacobs. Not to my knowledge. But I do know that some
systems that have been deployed in Spain and France, they
essentially network a flow meter to a siren, and if the flow
rate exceeds a certain amount, it triggers a siren. Depending
on where the upstream rain falls and the rate of rain rate, it
doesn't give you a whole lot of lead time, but it is certainly
better than nothing.
Senator Kim. Even just a few seconds or a few minutes can
make a huge difference. Is that something you would work with
us here in Congress to think through and figure out how best to
be able to deploy some of this?
Mr. Jacobs. Absolutely.
Senator Kim. Another part of this in terms of being able to
understand where flooding might happen and what communities are
most vulnerable is about hydrological modeling. And, you know,
I worry about this because in New Jersey, we have had concerns
about whether or not we are up to date with the latest
modeling.
A lot of the models that we have seen sometimes use
outdated data from decades ago. There has been talk about
trying to invest in LiDAR technology. And I would like to get
your thoughts on that, as well as whether or not that is
something for the Federal Government to be able to take on?
Mr. Jacobs. I agree. I believe this is a Federal mission. A
lot of it right now, the capability is state by state. So some
states have more sophisticated data and flood inundation
mapping than others.
Hydrological modeling is extremely challenging and
technical because you are essentially using one model to
initialize another. So the hydrological model could be perfect
in its equations, and if the atmospheric model puts the
rainstorm in the wrong place, then the secondary model is not
going to be right.
So that is critical. But the hydrological models to be
successful need the most updated digital elevation. And the
only way I know to really get that data as accurate as possible
is through LiDAR. So I think having access to LiDAR data to
optimize that and having a nationwide flood inundation mapping
capability would be very, very helpful.
Senator Kim. So it doesn't seem to make sense to me that we
would have each state do their own, right. I mean, it could
create so much asymmetry in the data. But having like a
baseline Federal hydrological data that we can draw from, does
that make sense to you? Am I thinking about it right?
Mr. Jacobs. It does make sense. And, you know, if the
capability stops at the state border but the roads don't and
you need to deploy assets on the other side of the state
border, you need actually have that information.
Senator Kim. Especially when it comes to hurricanes, often
affecting multiple states simultaneously. Am I correct that we
don't necessarily have modeling that combines both the
forecasting for hurricanes, as well with the hydrological data?
We don't have modeling that combines the two, which seems like
that would be incredibly important. Is that correct?
Mr. Jacobs. It is. So I will give you a great example of
Hurricane Florence that made landfall in the Carolinas a few
years ago.
It put down almost 36 inches of rain, but it also was in
one place for almost 3 days, and so you have that storm surge,
and the water from the rain can't drain East because the winds
are pushing it West.
And those two models, the storm surge model and the
hydrological models from the rainfall, need to be coupled.
Senator Kim. Yes. I want to switch gears here. I would like
to just read a sentence here and get your thoughts on it. It is
a quote, ``it is extremely likely that human activities,
especially emissions of greenhouse gasses, are the dominant
cause of the observed warming since the mid-20th century.
For the warming over the last century, there is no
convincing alternative explanation supported by the extent of
the observational evidence.'' I just wanted to get your
thoughts if you agree with that statement or not.
Mr. Jacobs. Well, obviously, there is a lot of natural
signals that are mixed in there, too. And so, in the absence of
any natural signals that might dominate that, yes, sir, there
is human influences certainly there.
Senator Kim. So you see human influence being part of the
concern when it comes to climate change, when it comes to
extreme weather?
Mr. Jacobs. Yes, there is influence.
Senator Kim. Yes. I think it is important for us to just be
able to think that through, because as we are trying to assess
predictions and trying to do forecasts, it is important to
understand causality.
And we are just trying to understand what is causing the
warming of ocean temperatures that affect hurricane strength
and other aspects of this. So I just want to continue to make
sure that we are pushing this forward.
We are letting science drive our decisionmaking in so many
ways. So I hope that that is something you can commit to if you
are confirmed. Thank you, and I yield back.
Senator Blunt Rochester [presiding]. Thank you, Senator
Kim. Senator Blackburn, you are recognized.
STATEMENT OF HON. MARSHA BLACKBURN,
U.S. SENATOR FROM TENNESSEE
Senator Blackburn. Thank you. I appreciate that, and
congratulations to each of you on your nominations. I know you
will get through this process, and we look forward to having
you confirmed and getting hard to work for the American people.
Mr. Jordan, I want to come to you. And Senator Cantwell
mentioned Oak Ridge National Lab. The supercomputing capacity,
the fastest in the country. And of course, NOAA and Oak Ridge
have had a partnership that they have been working on that--
trying to do some modeling on predictions for disasters and
severe weather events.
And I think that these collaborations are important for the
American people and for helping us to come past some of these
extreme weather events and to be able to avoid some of the
catastrophes that we have seen. We all are grieving for those
families in Texas, and what a catastrophic loss.
And then we, just late September last year, when Hurricane
Helene stalled out there between North Carolina and Tennessee,
and we had eight counties in Tennessee, we had rivers cresting
as high as 29 feet, 20 feet, 19 feet, 15 feet, and tremendous
loss of life. And we are still reeling, and the rebuilding is
taking place.
Debris removal is still taking place. So the impact is felt
for years and years. It takes so much time to recover. So I
want to return to some of these partnerships that can help us,
and I would like for you to talk a little bit about how you
would prioritize partnerships like the one between NOAA and Oak
Ridge National Labs so that we are better able to predict what
is taking place?
Mr. Jordan. Thank you for the question, Senator. So I
agree, the partnership with Oak Ridge and NOAA is a very
important one. And I look forward to working with you and the
Committee and NOAA to strengthen that partnership so that we
can utilize the expertise at Oak Ridge to run our models and do
the research to make sure we have the best forecast. And then
again, as you were mentioning, push that information to local
decisionmakers to take action. We need to----
Senator Blackburn. OK. And drill down for a minute on that
data transfer to these local EMS, these local first responders.
They are always the first ones that show up. It is followed by
the State, and then followed by the Federal Government. But
drill down on that partnership.
Mr. Jordan. Absolutely. So thank you for that. So it is
important to, again, get as close as possible to the local
emergency managers, and in some instances, weather service
employees embed with emergency managers because they have the
local expertise to know specifics of topography and how things
can be affected.
Senator Blackburn. So you would encourage that embedding?
Mr. Jordan. Yes, Senator.
Senator Blackburn. OK. Thank you. Dr. Jacobs, I want to
come to you. Memphis, the lower Mississippi River is the
lifeblood of barge traffic and port commerce, not only for
Tennessee, but also the entire mid-South, and the Mississippi
River area.
How would you ensure NOAA's forecasting tools for river
navigation services and data, such as water level forecasts,
sediment mapping, navigation charts, and so that they are
supporting the needs of the ports and the barge operators in
the lower Mississippi River?
Mr. Jacobs. Thank you for the question. So the Ocean
Service does an amazing job with their PORTS Program, as well
as running a lot of models.
So River Forecast Centers, the National Water Center run
the water models for this. And there is a lot of development on
coastal model, as well as the gap sensors. I myself spend a lot
of time using their data with my boat. So it is very, very
important--very high priority.
Senator Blackburn. OK. And I have one other question for
you. Senator Cruz and I wrote to NOAA urging it to recognize
the critical role of undersea cables and their necessity in our
communications infrastructure.
And the cables undergo rigorous State and Federal
permitting, as you are well aware, and they have proven time
and again to have a minimal environmental footprint. So in
response to those concerns, NOAA instituted a two-year pause on
special use permits for submarine cables in newly designated
marine sanctuaries so that it could review the category.
And in line with this Administration's efforts to
streamline permitting, do you agree that NOAA should
permanently exempt undersea cable deployment, maintenance, and
repair from duplicative sanctuary-specific permitting
requirements that risk delaying infrastructure deployment and
undermining our national resilience?
Mr. Jacobs. Thank you for the question. Because I am not
there, I don't have access to that information. But if
confirmed, I would definitely love to learn more about it and
support the priorities as best I can.
Senator Blackburn. Thank you. I yield back.
STATEMENT OF HON. LISA BLUNT ROCHESTER,
U.S. SENATOR FROM DELAWARE
Senator Blunt Rochester. Thank you, Senator Blackburn. And
I now recognize myself. First of all, thank you so much to the
nominees for being here and your families. Dr. Jacob, great
conversation yesterday.
I didn't share with you, but I assume you know this. I
represent Delaware, which is the lowest mean elevation State in
the country. So for us, Delawareans are deeply, deeply
concerned about rising sea levels, inland flooding and, like
the rest of the country, extreme heat. It doesn't appear these
things are going away.
And so to me, it is vitally important the conversation you
had with Senator Kim about making sure that this is science-
based and that we recognize the impacts of climate change are a
priority. And as I did share, I am concerned about cuts to
NOAA.
Gutting NOAA is a costly mistake that Americans will pay
the price through rising home insurance rates, destroyed
communities, and in some cases, their lives. And again, I hope
there is a real focus on this, and that NOAA gets the support
that it needs.
And as the Ranking Member of the Coast Guard, Maritime, and
Fishery Subcommittee, I understand the role that NOAA plays in
safeguarding our marine ecosystems, supporting our coastal
communities, and enforcing laws against illegal, unreported,
and unregulated, or IUU, fishing. Right now, NOAA's capacity to
do this work is under serious threat.
The Office of Marine and Aviation Operations is currently
short 180 mariners, and without an exemption from the hiring
freeze, as was discussed, 30 percent of NOAA's research fleet
will remain docked this summer.
In a recent subcommittee hearing on IUU fishing, I asked
the witnesses, Democrats and Republicans, what the impact of a
30 percent cut to NOAA's enforcement would mean for tracking
and prosecuting illegal activity on the high seas, and the
responses that all of them painted were very bleak.
Dr. Jacobs, what is your plan to mitigate this loss of
operational capacity, and how will you ensure NOAA can deliver
on its scientific mission with such a reduced fleet?
Mr. Jacobs. Thank you for the question. So I definitely
understand your concerns, and I think it is--you know, if
confirmed, I will get in there and really take a look at the
staffing levels, because there is a difference between the wage
mariners and the law enforcement when it comes to IUU fishing.
And I also understand that the issue with the wage mariners
and not having the hiring freeze lift is challenging,
particularly in this market because it is so competitive with
industry for the same jobs.
So my approach, if confirmed, would be to focus on making
sure that we try to get the wage mariner situation sorted out,
as well as looking at other options, potentially autonomous
vehicles to do certain fish surveys if we can use those
instead. So would definitely appreciate working with you on
this.
Senator Blunt Rochester. Look forward to it as well. Mr.
Kumar, as the nominee of the Office of Legislative Affairs, you
will serve as the primary liaison to Congress. It is such an
important role.
And one of your core functions is to ensure timely and
substantive responses as we exercise our oversight role on
behalf of the American people. I have to say I have been
frustrated by the lack of response of letters that I have sent.
In the last six months, I have sent eight letters to the
Secretary of Commerce on a variety of topics, from the
implementation of the Broadband Equity Access Deployment
Program to the abrupt restructuring of the Minority Business
Development Agency.
But I haven't received a substantive response yet. I am
just going to ask, are you familiar with the letters that we
sent to the Department?
Mr. Kumar. Thank you for the question, Senator. Yes, I am
at a high level, yes.
Senator Blunt Rochester. At a high level. And I wanted to
know when do you think I could receive a response or do you--is
this going to be a priority of your job?
Mr. Kumar. Yes. If confirmed, you know, as I said in my
opening statement, I understand fully the importance of timely
information being provided back to the Committee and its
members. I know MBDA, I know there is broad active litigation
going on, but even in those instances, I would like to at least
be able to communicate what we can and can't say on a matter
and making sure you are getting information back.
Senator Blunt Rochester. So I brought the letters with me,
so I will give them to you afterwards, because I would really
love some substantive responses, not the kind of form letter
response.
Would love to follow up with you on that, should you be
confirmed. And Dr. Jacobs, just to pivot back to seafood fraud
and mislabeling. I have some questions for you, but what
specific tech steps would you take to strengthen NOAA's efforts
to combat seafood fraud? And what role should technology,
traceability, and interagency enforcement play in the efforts?
Mr. Jacobs. Well, as far as technology goes, one of the
things that I found pretty interesting is a lot of these
vessels, and sometimes they are flagged under other nations,
will be fishing in our EEZ. They will turn off their
transponders, come in, illegally fish our waters, and then go
back out.
And we can actually see them on satellite imagery. So there
is a way to trace them down. And working potentially with the
Navy and the Coast Guard on this I think would be great. As far
as the actual import monitoring, one of the things that I have
been interested in is actually doing genetic analysis on
certain seafood products because we can trace the origins of it
then.
Senator Blunt Rochester. I want to end with something we
discussed in my office, which was the Sea Grant Program. I
think it is a vitally important program, particularly for
communities across this country, including U.S., Puerto Rico,
Guam. It is one of those things that really helps the
communities. You talked about the big data.
If we have the data but people don't understand how they
can apply it and use it, how it could help with economic
development, how it can help with resiliency and making sure
that our communities are safe, it does us no good. And so, in
our meeting, I was pleased to hear you say ``this program is
awesome.'' Those were your words, awesome.
And so, I am imploring you to make sure that this program
protected, because again, it does so much for our local
communities, for our business opportunities, and really to make
sure that folks are safe. And so, I thank you for that. I am
actually going to yield back time myself, and I will follow up
with additional questions. But I will now recognize Senator
Capito.
STATEMENT OF HON. SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO,
U.S. SENATOR FROM WEST VIRGINIA
Senator Capito. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you all for
being here, for your willingness to serve. And I would like to
start with Dr. Jacobs. Thank you again for our meeting
yesterday and our previous meetings in past years.
We talked about NOAA's Environmental Security Computing
Center, NESCC, in Fairmont, West Virginia at the Tech Park, in
the I-79 Tech Park. And as you know that center received $100
million for the high-performance computer called Raya to
support NOAA's widespread adoption of AI.
The I-79 Tech Park in Fairmont is a unique asset for NOAA
and the broader adoption of AI, and the Park houses the
supercomputing operation with the high-performance computers
named Hera and Raya. I like that they are female names, but
that is just me. And Raya should be operational by 2020.
I won't ask you to comment on that. Raya will be
operational in 2026. What is your vision? Obviously, we hear AI
in every single aspect of testimony, no matter what we are
talking about, whether it is finances or health care or
whatever, and we see this also in--at NOAA. How do you feel--
what is your vision for the institutionalization of AI at NOAA,
and how would you use these assets that I have referenced?
Mr. Jacobs. Very much appreciate the question. And it is
great to see that HPC finally get installed and operational.
Because the last time I was at NOAA, we actually got half of
that data center built out. I think there is a lot of
opportunity with AI everywhere, from like improving some stock
assessments and fisheries, to also in numerical weather
prediction.
So right now, there are AI-based models that just
completely replicate the entire modeling system. They are
trained on the physics-based model, so there is still a need to
run the physics-based models.
But there is also aspects of AI that can be used inside the
physics based-models, where the AI systems replicate some of
these physical algorithms. And the exciting thing to me is,
they can do it in a fraction of a second.
So what 5 years ago would take 30, 40 minutes, we can do
now in a second or two. And I think doing a lot of that
development work, particularly on that system, would be a
really good use of it.
Senator Capito. Well, thank you. Do you feel that NOAA has
the support to have a sufficient procurement process now to
assess the quality data sets and improve the data storage? We
talked about going to the cloud and a lot of other things the
other day. Do you like the procurement system is going to allow
NOAA to move in this direction as rapidly as it needs to be?
Mr. Jacobs. I mean, so there is an interesting dynamic, I
think, unfolding because a lot of the data that NOAA has is
really sought after by private industry. And the data that NOAA
has is obviously freely available to the public, but private
industry may pay a cloud service provider to crunch the
numbers.
So when we would process the data on an HPC system, and
then host it in a data center like a commercial cloud service
provider, they are actually offering to host the data for--and
sometimes free. Petabytes of free storage, and allow to pay for
the egress, for the download, because they can also charge
industry to process it.
Senator Capito. Right. So that gives you a little more
flexibility with that. I would like to pivot to the storms in
Texas and the weather predicting. And obviously, I live in an
area that is prone to rapid flooding like that. But the tragedy
that we see in Texas is like nothing that I can--it is
unimaginable for many of us.
I think a lot of it--and I think it is the aftermath of
community engagement, community warning systems. How can that
be improved? How can--and I know, that is not necessarily in
that specific area simply because it is probably too early to
assess that.
But generally speaking, there are still gaps, and I think--
I am sure this is something that you think about. You shared
with me that you have two--a 9-year-old and an 11-year-old
daughter, I believe. So you are feeling this as well. Do you
have any comments on that?
Mr. Jacobs. It is--so coming from a background of numerical
weather prediction, I always thought naively that if I could
improve the forecast skill, I would save more lives. And it
turns out that it is really the last mile.
Even if you have a perfect forecast, if you can't get the
information to the people, it is totally useless. And so,
having a way to distribute the watches and warnings, and
particularly in regions that don't have good cell coverage.
I think there is an opportunity to modernize NOAA Weather
Radio, and then potentially also look at some satellite
capabilities, some CubeSat-based data transmission. That wasn't
really an option a couple of years ago.
And so, I think probably an all-of-the-above approach and
modernizing the way to distribute these watches and warnings is
something that is going to be a top priority of mine.
Senator Capito. Thank you. Thank you very much.
Senator Blunt Rochester. Senator Lujan, you are recognized.
STATEMENT OF HON. BEN RAY LUJAN,
U.S. SENATOR FROM NEW MEXICO
Senator Lujan. Thank you, Madam Chair. And to my brothers
from Texas, my deepest condolences for all that has happened,
and for all the lives that have been lost and families that
have impacted, and to everyone that has been on the ground with
all those first responders, all the volunteers just helping
those families.
As my colleagues may know, unfortunately, in New Mexico
yesterday, the Rio Ruidoso rose to nearly 20 feet in a matter
of minutes amid heavy rainfall, sweeping away homes, if you can
believe that, in the flows. And we have already lost loved ones
out that way. This is an area that was also ravaged by wildfire
not too long ago, as we have all had conversations about what
needs to be done with FEMA and others with wildfire and then
the flooding that follows for years and years to follow.
Now, today we have witnesses that hope to serve at the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NOAA, which
oversees the National Weather Service which provides critical
forecasting data that Americans rely on to protect their lives.
We also know that emergency alerts and the work of NOAA and the
National Weather Service does save lives.
I appreciate your response, Dr. Jacobs, to the question
from Senator Capito. However, Project 2025 has outlined a plan
to commercialize the forecasting, which would force American
taxpayers to pay private companies to access weather forecasts.
Dr. Jacobs and Mr. Jordan, yes or no, do you think
Americans should have to pay to access forecasting data to
protect the safety of their families and homes from natural
disasters? Dr. Jacobs.
Mr. Jacobs. No. I think that that is an essential service
that all Americans deserve.
Senator Lujan. Mr. Jordan.
Mr. Jordan. I agree, no.
Senator Lujan. Dr. Jacobs, in late May I sent a letter to
the National Weather Service, along with several of my
colleagues, regarding the National Weather Service's decision
to discontinue translations of weather alerts and forecast into
languages other than English. Those services have now been
restored.
This created a dangerous gap in access to emergency
information for those nearly 68 million people in the United
States that speak a language other than English at home. Yes or
no, do you agree that people deserve to get emergency alerts in
the language that they can understand?
Mr. Jacobs. Yes.
Senator Lujan. Yes or no, do you commit to ensuring that
this lapse in translation doesn't happen again?
Mr. Jacobs. If confirmed, making sure that the watches and
warnings go out, and they are understood, it is definitely a
priority.
Senator Lujan. Appreciate that. On September 1, 2019, when
you were NOAA's Acting Administrator, President Trump
erroneously tweeted that Alabama had been hit hard by Hurricane
Dorian.
Shortly after, the National Weather Service Birmingham
Office issued the accurate statement, ``Alabama will not see
any impacts from Dorian.'' Three days later, President Trump
went on TV and displayed a weather map altered with a black
Sharpie line to show that Dorian would hit Alabama.
Two days after that, you helped draft a release, un-signed
statement rebuking the Birmingham NWS and repeating President
Trump's baseless claim that Hurricane Dorian could impact
Alabama. You told the Department of Commerce Office of
Inspector General in their investigation that you, ``definitely
felt like our jobs were on the line.''
And while you did not like it, you would make the same
decision again to edit a less inflammatory statement as the
least bad option. Mr. Jacobs or Dr. Jacobs, do you--do I have
it right? Is that correct?
Mr. Jacobs. That is what the IDRI report found, yes.
Senator Lujan. That you would do nothing differently?
Mr. Jacobs. I mean, there is probably some things I would
do differently. And there are a lot of things that I did after
that too, you know, I guess, change any potential future
outcome. One of them was revamp----
Senator Lujan. Let me ask this question, because I just had
constituents die in New Mexico. We had constituents die in
Texas. Would you sign off on an inaccurate statement due to
political pressure in the same event, yes or no?
Mr. Jacobs. No.
Senator Lujan. I appreciate that very much. Mr. Kumar,
Congress appropriated over $68 million to MBDA under the most
recent funding bill.
But now Secretary Lutnick and the Trump Administration have
dismantled the MBDA, ignoring the law Congress passed in 2021.
When Deputy Secretary Dabbar was before this committee in May,
he committed to ``follow every dollar and report back'' to this
committee regarding the status of MBDA.
I have a letter here that I plan to send to the Deputy
Secretary, holding him to this commitment and asking a series
of questions regarding MBDA funds and grants. Mr. Kumar, if
confirmed, will you--you will be responsible for overseeing the
Department's responses to Congress, yes or no?
Mr. Kumar. Thank you for the question, Senator. Yes.
Senator Lujan. So yes or no, will you commit to me that my
colleagues and I will have the report Deputy Secretary Dabbar
promised regarding the status of MBDA funds and complete
answers to other questions within two weeks of your
confirmation, if not before?
Mr. Kumar. Thank you for the question. If confirmed, I will
go back to Deputy Secretary Dabbar on the letter you mentioned.
Senator Lujan. We will get a response within two weeks?
Mr. Kumar. I will make sure to get with him right away and
try to provide as timely a response as possible.
Senator Lujan. As timely response. Less than two months?
Mr. Kumar. Thank you for the--I will do my best to get it
in the stated timeline.
Senator Lujan. Less than six months?
Mr. Kumar. Again, I will do my best to get it to you in the
stated timeline.
Senator Lujan. Thank you, Madam Chair. It is challenging
when given an amount of time to respond timely, when all of
these witnesses take oaths that they will respond timely to
this committee, but when we even extend that time that a simple
answer of yes is just--cannot be found. It is frustrating.
Thank you for the time, Madam Chair.
STATEMENT OF HON. CYNTHIA LUMMIS,
U.S. SENATOR FROM WYOMING
Senator Lummis. I recognize myself for 5 minutes. And I
want to start by sending my condolences to the gentleman from
New Mexico, and our Chairman from Texas, both of whom have
endured significant flooding and loss of life.
And Senator Lujan, our condolences to you and your
constituents, and as well as Senator Cruz and his constituents.
Such a tragedy in both cases. Dr. Jacobs and Mr. Jordan,
welcome. And Mr. Kumar, welcome. Your relevant experience in
weather operations and atmospheric science policy is noted.
Thank you for your willingness to serve. Look forward to
your service for the American people at the National Weather
Service. I come from Wyoming. In Wyoming the weather is the
news. I am also a rancher, and so the first thing we look at in
the morning is the weather, because it affects every move we
make.
And that is true for a lot of people in Wyoming, whether it
is a closed road because it is icy, the weather turning for
people who are recreating in Wyoming. People who want to know
what the snowpack is in Jackson Hole at the Mountain Resort or
at Targhee. When blizzards are rolling in and you might get
trapped in your home if you don't get your vehicle out right
away.
I mean, these are all real life, everyday occurrences for
Wyoming people. The weather is the news. So I have been in
tornadoes in Wyoming, flooding, hail, wind, lightning. I know
people who have been struck by lightning. I remember dealing
with--I was laying with my brother in an irrigation ditch while
it was raining really hard because while I was on the baler and
he was on a windrower, a tornado came and literally took the
hay up into the air that we were trying to bale and windrow.
And so, we are laying there, getting hailed on in an
irrigation ditch trying to stay out of the tornado. Amazing
experiences. I mean, that is life in Wyoming with the weather.
So, I want to talk to you specifically about how important the
National Weather Service is to Wyoming.
We have two major National Weather Service facilities. One
is in Riverton, which is kind of in central Wyoming, and the
other in Cheyenne, which in Southeast. Now, a decision was made
to close overnight service in Cheyenne and route evening
coverage through Riverton. So the closure is from 1 a.m. to 7
a.m. I will want to visit with you after you are confirmed
about this a little more.
You know, that is about, I don't know, 250 or 300 miles
difference between Riverton and Cheyenne. It is as different as
night and day in terms of the weather experience. And it would
be extremely helpful if we could have a presence in that
Cheyenne Weather Service facility.
Wyoming is vast. We have almost 100,000 square miles.
Multiple mountain ranges. Tremendous topographical and
elevation differences. Weather conditions are very, very local.
My sister can get hailed out on her farm and I am just hunky-
dory just 30 miles or 40 miles away from her. So the weather is
a significant factor in our economy, and in our survival, and
in health and wellbeing.
So I do want to work with you on the Cheyenne, Riverton
issue, as well as other issues regarding the National Weather
Service and its ability to serve the people of this country. So
quick question now that I have been on my soapbox.
What role do you see technology playing in addressing
current forecasting challenges? And how would you balance the
ability of technology to serve versus human forecasters? Dr.
Jacobs.
Mr. Jacobs. Thank you for the question. So I have been to
that Cheyenne office.
Senator Lummis. Oh good.
Mr. Jacobs. And one of the fascinating things they told me
that I hadn't thought of as a forecaster is one of their big
concerns are high wind events. And they are actually worried
about 18 wheelers getting blown off the highway, which to me
seems like pretty high wind.
Senator Lummis. I have seen it happen. I have seen them
blow over on the Interstate 25.
Mr. Jacobs. Yes. To answer your question, I think the use
of technology is probably a mix. Technology--well, maybe like a
three-pronged mix. So using new technology, whether it is
space-based or in situ systems like drones to collect
observations to build a data set of better initial conditions
that is going to improve the models, then a lot of compute
architecture.
CPUs are almost phased out. We are looking at GPUs now.
Other types of chips to optimize that using AI. And then on the
back end, as we have been discussing today, using different
types of technologies and capabilities to more rapidly and
effectively distribute the watches and warnings.
Senator Lummis. Mr. Jordan, do you have a comment on that?
Mr. Jordan. Thank you for the question Senator. I would
agree with Dr. Jacobs, but also want to mention that in
addition to technology and moving next generation technologies
into the stack of what NOAA uses for weather forecast is
important.
And technologies like AI are going to help the forecasters
do their job. But the people in the offices at the local level
who understand how wacky the weather can be sometimes is
extremely important.
Senator Lummis. Yes, wacky is right. I mean, it is both a
scientific and real life term that we all understand. So if
confirmed, I would ask that you review the National Weather
Service arrangements in Wyoming from a weather accuracy and
safety standpoint. I want to thank you for meeting with my
staff yesterday. I look forward to working with you both. And
my time is up. Thank you very much.
The Chair recognizes Senator Klobuchar.
STATEMENT OF HON. AMY KLOBUCHAR,
U.S. SENATOR FROM MINNESOTA
Senator Klobuchar. Well, thank you very much, Madam Chair.
And thank you to my colleagues who are here. We all are
heartbroken over the loss of life, the kids at the camps, the
people in both Senator Cruz's and Senator Lujan's state. And I
think that we all know this is not an isolated incident. We can
pretend it is, but it is not.
Extreme weather events like this one have been getting
worse and worse all over our country. And we must ensure that
NOAA--this hearing couldn't be more timely--and the Department
of Commerce as a whole is ready and able to take this on. As we
know, as has been repeated by my colleagues, NOAA has lost at
least 1,875 employees, totaling a combined 27,000 years of
experience and institutional knowledge, and now has over 3,000
vacant staff positions at the very worst time.
So I know Dr. Jacobs, you responded to Senator Cantwell's--
chair--Ranking Member Cantwell's questions about confirming
that staffing is a priority at the National Weather Service. In
May, NOAA started reassigning employees because of the loss of
employees to NWS. And if confirmed, how do you make sure that
these employees have the necessary technical expertise?
And how do plan to recruit additional employees when the
message from this Administration, honestly, has been, please
leave? We will give you buyouts. We want you to leave. How are
you going to turn that around?
Mr. Jordan. Well, I guess maybe it is probably a multi-
pronged approach. Obviously, one of them would be the
reassignments. Lifting of the hiring freeze is certainly going
to help.
As far as recruiting, I am optimistic as a former teacher
of a lot of former students in mind who are actually Weather
Service employees now, that I can appeal to their sense of
mission--that this is important.
Like ensuring that Americans have timely and accurate
forecast to protect lives and property is something that
appeals to people. This is why they go into studying
meteorology.
Senator Klobuchar. So you are going to commit to making
sure they get this accurate information?
Mr. Jordan. Yes.
Senator Klobuchar. OK. And I guess along those lines, Mr.
Jordan, I just addressed these stronger storms that we know are
a scientific fact--warming climate. And if confirmed, will you
advocate against attempts to limit information sharing on the
impacts of climate? Because I don't know how we are going to
respond to these storms if we pretend it is not happening.
Mr. Jordan. Thank you for the question, Senator. So yes, I
would let the science drive the decisionmaking.
Senator Klobuchar. OK, very good. And how will you ensure
that NOAA is able to maintain and improve its extensive
observing networks and infrastructure that you mentioned in
your testimony?
Mr. Jordan. Thank you for the question, Senator. So in the
planning of these major acquisitions, these observing networks,
these are large scale items that span multi--many fiscal years.
It is important to ensure that we don't have gaps in those
systems, or satellites and likewise. So working with the
Department and in Congress here to ensure there is funding to
continue those programs.
Senator Klobuchar. OK, thank you. When I first got to the
Senate, I was on the Ocean subcommittee, Dr. Jacobs, and I
realized I was the only one without an ocean on the
subcommittee.
But then I remembered it also included the Great Lakes, and
we have Lake Superior, which is of course superior to any
ocean. So we have incredible research going on out of Duluth
with our Great Lakes Observing Center. We have incredible
research going on through the Minnesota Sea Grant and
education.
And so, I just want people to remember that. The inland
lakes, we have more than 10,000 despite our license plate--we
have 15,000, we have Lake Superior. This research is also
important. Could you address that and whether you will support
the continuation of these inland sea grants?
Mr. Jordan. Yes. So actually the lakes are a big driver in
weather. Like lake affect snow and things like that. And also I
know that the harmful algal blooms are really important for
folks in the lake. So, continuing that research, obviously if
confirmed, very high priority.
Senator Klobuchar. OK, very good. Thank you. Just last, Mr.
Kumar, I like many of my colleagues have addressed letters.
Specifically represent Clyburn and Senator Lujan and I led a
letter about the BEAD Program. It was a more recent one, but
there is ones going back. And if you will commit to get these
letters answered?
Mr. Kumar. Thank you for the question, Senator. If
confirmed, yes, I will commit to making sure to work with my
colleagues to get you accurate and timely responses.
Senator Klobuchar. And last, Secretary Lutnick announced
that the Trump Administration is going to relaunch the Tech
Hubs Program. He and I discussed this when he was in my office.
I also discussed it with the Deputy. And they are going to plan
a new round of selection in early 2026. We are one of the tech
hubs in Minnesota, but we did not get funded despite being one
of the premier--this is back in time--as you know, places for
medical device development and the like, and in the Midwest or
in the entire country. Will you work with me and my staff to
look at the Med Tech 3.0 Program in Minnesota?
Mr. Kumar. Thank you for the question, Senator. Absolutely,
if confirmed. I know our EDA team is very active on working
with offices to make sure they have the most up to date
information on the new competition and would be happy to work
with your office.
Senator Klobuchar. And then just last, not a question, I
will put it in writing, Rural Export Center, which is out of
Fargo. But I am always friends with our neighbors, and a big
priority for me and Senator Hoeven. So, I hope you will look at
that as well. Thank you.
The Chairman. Thank you. Senator Young.
STATEMENT OF HON. TODD YOUNG,
U.S. SENATOR FROM INDIANA
Senator Young. Welcome all. Dr. Jacobs, my colleagues have
talked about the benefits emerging technologies can provide.
For instance, how quantum computing can better track and
predict the movements of severe weather patterns. How AI may
predict when another event may occur, and others--other
applications.
I am working on reintroduction of several bills with my
colleagues, and the impetus is advancing our technological
leadership and capabilities in emerging technologies. Outside
of what has been discussed here already, what other benefits do
these emerging technologies promise to deliver? And how do you
plan to work across the Department and other Executive
agencies, as applicable, to make sure these deliverables are
recognized?
Mr. Jacobs. Thank you for the question, Senator. So one of
the things that we haven't talked about today that I think is
really fascinating and I would love to be a focus is edge
computing.
And I say that because as the satellites on orbit become
more sophisticated and the sensors have higher resolution data,
the files become larger. And downlinking those files takes
time, moving that data takes time.
And weather is a very time sensitive capability to do these
forecasts, so we have to get the data as fast as we can. And to
the extent that it is possible, to do edge computing on orbit
to process that data before it is downlinked I think would be a
huge step forward.
Senator Young. What do you anticipate needs to be done in
this area? Do we need to assemble kind of a strategy or a
broader effort? I will let you explain or unpack for us what
needs to be done.
Mr. Jacobs. So, I think some of this can be tested on the
ground. I also think that there are a lot of capabilities that
have been developed on the classified intel side where the data
itself might be classified, but the process of compressing or
sending the data might not be. So to repurpose those on the
civil side would be an interesting thing I would like to work
on.
Senator Young. Would you work with me on that priority,
should you be confirmed?
Mr. Jacobs. Absolutely.
Senator Young. OK, great. I am a member of the Intelligence
Committee, as well as the Commerce Committee, so there may be
some synergies there. Thank you. Continuing with you, doctor, I
would like to turn to IUU fishing. Illegal, unreported, and
unregulated fishing, or IUU fishing, isn't just an
environmental issue, though it is, of course, that.
It also undermines our economic security and our national
security. It affects American fishermen, especially in the Gulf
of America, who are often competing with illegally operating
Mexican fishing vessels. In addition, we have to contend with a
broader pattern of illegal maritime activities by state and
non-state actors from the People's Republic of China and
Russia.
They continue to engage in unregulated fishing that will
impact our allies and the rest of us in a negative way. And so,
it is our responsibility to protect American fishermen these
violations, to hold other nations accountable to the same
standards of maritime law and sustainability that we uphold.
How do you plan, doctor, on coordinating with offices in
other departments or agencies like the State Department or
Coast Guard to effectively counter this issue at home and
abroad?
Mr. Jacobs. Thank you for the question. So, countering this
is a huge priority. Obviously, seafood competitiveness and
reducing the seafood trade deficit is a big priority, so
combating IUU is essential to accomplishing that.
Would love to work, if confirmed, with the Coast Guard,
with the Navy, particularly in the Pacific where there are a
lot of false flag vessels doing illegal fishing in our EEZ, in
other countries' EEZs where they are not flagged to be fishing.
Tracking these ships when they turn off their transponders,
traveling around.
A lot of times there are other sort of nefarious things
like human trafficking that is going along with this IUU, you
know, as well as the, like we were mentioning earlier, the
poaching of red snapper in the Gulf of America. That is a huge
issue.
And working with the State Department on that. And also
potentially exploring other technologies, not just for the
fishing aspect, but for the imports, because there is a lot of
things that are being imported that we really need to take a
close look at. Mislabeling, things like that, as far as
imported seafood.
Senator Young. Yes. I think you hit on an important but
often under discussed component of this, which is the
businesses themselves that will supply us seafood, they need to
bring more transparency to their supply chains and, you know,
ensure that they are not procuring seafood that has been
obtained illegally. But I hope to work with you on this as
well. Do you commit to doing so, should you be confirmed?
Mr. Jacobs. If confirmed, absolutely.
Senator Young. OK. And then last, how do you see regional
fisheries management organizations, or RFMOs, fitting into this
equation? Is there an opportunity to reform or push these
organizations to more effectively combat IUU fishing throughout
the world when origin countries refuse to prosecute illegal
fishermen, even with overwhelming evidence of their activities?
Mr. Jacobs. Definitely. RFMOs, working through the RFMOs to
ensure that other countries enforce their laws is really
important. And also working through RFMOs to ensure that we
have a fair quota set for U.S. fishermen, very important.
Senator Young. Dr. Jacobs. Mr. Chairman.
The Chairman. Thank you. Senator Hickenlooper.
STATEMENT OF HON. JOHN HICKENLOOPER,
U.S. SENATOR FROM COLORADO
Senator Hickenlooper. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thanks to each
of you for your willingness to go back into the arena, as it
were. Let me ask you each a question, just to start. Obviously,
natural disasters cost the U.S. over $182 billion in damages
last year alone. NOAA is a hugely important institution.
I think everyone's questions recognize that and reflect
that. So just as a thumbs up or thumbs down, recognizing
nothing stays the same, do you think we are spending too much
money in the science, the research around NOAA, or are we
spending too little? Why don't you go start, Dr. Jacobs, and we
will go right down the road.
Mr. Jacobs. I think it probably depends on the area of
research and working with the President's----
Senator Hickenlooper. As a whole. I don't need a polemic,
but as a whole, are we spending too much or too little?
Mr. Jacobs. Oh, I don't know that you could spend too much
on the research.
Senator Hickenlooper. That is a good answer.
Mr. Jordan. Thank you for the question, Senator. It is a
difficult question to answer, how much across the Federal
Government the spending on science activities. But I would say
it is a good thing to fund.
Senator Hickenlooper. Right. I was thinking more just about
NOAA. I realize the Federal Government. I wrestle with that as
well. And certainly science isn't perfect. Science is full of
second guessing, and it is always trying to get better, as you
all know. It is not a perfectly precise study, but it is
crucial.
Mr. Kumar. Thank you for the question, Senator. I am the
nominee to run Leg Affairs, so I defer to my colleagues here
from--that are NOAA nominees, but certainly appreciate the
importance of funding research.
Senator Hickenlooper. Great. You know, we have talked a lot
about our ability to forecast natural disasters and how
important that is. And I do agree the last mile that both of
you, or both of the doctors, brought up is critical. But I also
believe in incremental improvement.
And I think especially with better computing, we will be
able to get that recognition of when there is a potential flood
event--and our heart goes out to the people in Texas and New
Mexico. Unbelievable, the tragedy that happened there. But four
hours more, even with our not insufficient last mile, you know,
how do we get information to those groups in time--that extra
four hours could make a huge difference.
So I look at the importance of getting data, and having it
there, and working with that data. And yet, it appears that we
are having--we are going to stop collecting data or storing
data and using data in certain places, most specifically the
National Center for Environmental Information that tracks
natural disasters.
Is that something that you or Dr. Jacobs are concerned
about? Are you willing to commit to restoring and updating
NOAA's database? Because to me, that is the foundation that so
much of your work is built upon.
Mr. Jordan. Yes. If confirmed, definitely ensuring that
that data is archived and easily accessible by the public, the
research, the science community, is an essential function of
NOAA.
Senator Hickenlooper. Right. And at some point we will get
to, in terms of predicting disasters, be able to incorporate
soil moisture, soil conditions, I mean all these other
variables that have such a powerful effect.
And, Mr. Jordan, again, obviously NOAA has invested in
satellites, delicate instruments to measure ecosystems of all
types, to forecast weather, issue warnings. In terms of the
satellites, do you have concerns about the recent efforts to
limit the costs around that collection of data and making sure
that the recent announcement, the Defense Meteorological
Satellite Program, is going to terminate data collection and
the sharing of that data later this month. That is you, Dr.
Jacobs. Sorry. I was just asking about the Defense
Meteorological----
Mr. Jordan. Yes. So DMSP for decades has been a really
important program. It is my understanding that the funding for
this was terminated back in 2015, but the atmospheric science
community has had the benefit of these sensors that have lasted
well beyond their lifespan.
And there are a couple of ways to backfill this. So first
of all, the sounding data--there are other instruments that
NOAA operates from AMSU-A, ATMS. I think what is probably of
more interest in the hurricane forecasting community is the
imager data. So the microwave imagers.
So there is a follow-on program to this. It is my
understanding--and again, I am not in the agency yet, but I
still know a lot of this because I work with the community. The
follow-on program, they already have an asset on orbit. It is
producing data. I believe NOAA is going to get access to that
pretty soon.
I also think that there are potentially other capabilities
out there. So there is--like European Space Agency has some of
these assets as well, so data sharing. So yes, it is extremely
important.
Senator Hickenlooper. Appreciate that. And I am out of
time, but I do want to--I won't be able to come back for a
second round of questions, but I am going to submit in writing
some of the questions about the cooperative institutes that you
guys all work with that I think are so important.
We have a couple Colorado State University, University of
Colorado where you have got the institutions and graduate
students and PhDs all working together kind of helping you
expand your effort.
And then also the fire weather testbed that NOAA has based
in Denver to increase wildfire resilience by researching and
doing all that work around wildfires. So God bless you all for
all your work. It is so crucial to the safety and--of most of
our--well, all of our country. I yield back to the Chair.
The Chairman. Thank you. Senator Fetterman.
STATEMENT OF HON. JOHN FETTERMAN,
U.S. SENATOR FROM PENNSYLVANIA
Senator Fetterman. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Hello, Dr.
Jacobs. Hi. I mean, I am from Pennsylvania, and I am sure you
are familiar with Lake Erie. I love Erie. Erie is a very
special part of my state.
And for me, Lake Erie is such an incredibly important
economic engine and major, major cultural amenity for
Pennsylvania. Tourism in Erie brings in over $1.2 billion and
supports more than 15,000 jobs. And now for me, the tourism, it
is driven because of the beauty. If anyone in here, in the room
has ever been to Presque Island, and it is one of the most
remarkable parks in the country. And I am not saying that as
just a booster. I am saying that it actually is true.
And my family swims in Lake Erie, so we have a lot of skin
in that game too. So protecting and making Erie more and more
clean and pure. So for me, NOAA's Office of National Marine
Sanctuary is working to designate Lake Erie as a National
Marine Sanctuary. And of course I fully support that and know
people that live in Erie support that. And today I was just
asking to see if you support that, or would like to commit or
work with my office to see this happen quickly?
Mr. Jacobs. If confirmed, I would love to work with you and
your office on that.
Senator Fetterman. All right. That is wonderful. And then
now, some people, maybe my colleagues, may not be aware of lake
effect snow. So I am an amateur. So I would describe it as when
colder air sweeps over warmer water of Lake Erie, and that can
drop three feet of snow really in a short amount of time. Is
that inaccurate?
Mr. Jacobs. Your science is correct. There is--it is heat
flux driven.
Senator Fetterman. Yes, yes. So for me, and if you live in
Erie, you know, 18 inches doesn't even make the news really--
you know, rarely. And that is--you know, I mean, I live in
Pittsburgh. We don't even--it is so different. It is very, very
specific to that region because of lake effect snow.
And if you are from Arizona, you are like, I have no idea
what that means. But, you know, I remember there was one
Christmas time that I think 50, 55 inches dumped on Erie
quickly in about 24 to 36 hours. So of course, NOAA is very
important. So for me--and it has been brought to my attention
that the National Weather Service that oversees Erie doesn't
have a meteorologist, so--and I believe that.
So for me, even if it is like a part-time thing, I think it
is reasonable when you can have three feet of snow from those
things. So I just think perhaps, I support having a
meteorologist, even part-time from a savings perspective, for
there. So just if you have any thoughts?
Mr. Jacobs. I don't know the exact staffing levels at your
office, but I will definitely get back to you on the numbers.
And if confirmed, I would definitely commit to making sure it
is staffed up.
Senator Fetterman. Great. That is great. And actually, I
yield.
The Chairman. Thank you. Senator Markey.
STATEMENT OF HON. EDWARD MARKEY,
U.S. SENATOR FROM MASSACHUSETTS
Senator Markey. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. For decades, NOAA
has collected and made public information on how many extreme
weather related disasters caused by more than $1 billion worth
of damage. In the 1980s, the U.S. experienced a weather or
climate disaster that caused more than $1 billion in damage
every four months, on average.
Now, in our climate change era, our communities are hit by
a disaster of that magnitude on average by every three weeks.
So Dr. Jacobs, I appreciated our conversation on this
yesterday. Do you stand by your statement that you made to me
yesterday that NOAA's data on billion dollar disasters should
be made available to the public?
Mr. Jacobs. So the data that NOAA collects to produce that,
yes. I think that that is a really important thing.
Senator Markey. Well, thank you. And that is great to hear.
Back in May, the Trump Administration announced that it was
going to start burying that information and stop informing the
public about the cost of weather disasters. And I appreciate
your commitment. And the Administration is fighting disasters
the only way they know how, by denying they even exist.
And the only problem solved by burying weather data is that
Trump Administration's PR problem. But that is all that is
buried. The actual information should be out there so the
public can see how much worse these storms are as each decade
is unfolding.
So Dr. Jacobs, do you think that climate focused research
data and grant programs are relevant to NOAA's mission to
understand the health of coastal and marine resources, and
predict marine environments?
Mr. Jacobs. Well, weather, water, and climate is essential
to NOAA's mission. It is a fundamental part of it, and so data
along the coastline obviously is critical to that.
Senator Markey. So I am glad that we agree on that. So do
you support the efforts to collect and understand regional
climate data, which is so important for developing the forecast
that our farmers and other small business owners use to make
decisions every single day?
Mr. Jacobs. Well, essentially, all data is regional at some
level.
Senator Markey. Right. I know that. But do you agree that
there should be a continuation of the collection?
Mr. Jacobs. Yes. Collecting of data observations is a core
essential to NOAA's mission.
Senator Markey. Yes. So, and that is absolutely critical as
well because it is too bad that President Trump's budget uses
the exact language on climate research as a justification to
kill that exact program at NOAA. And frankly, I am shocked that
an agenda that would, you know, cause such problems could even
be talked about in the era that we are in right now.
Dr. Jacobs, the Trump Administration wants to cut NOAA's
budget by 27 percent, no climate, weather, sea grant, ocean
labs, or many other programs exempted. Dr. Jacobs, yes or no,
do you support these cuts?
Mr. Jacobs. Yes, I support the President's budget.
Senator Markey. Dr. Jacobs, do these cuts improve the
weather readiness of our country?
Mr. Jacobs. The cuts I believe you are referring to, a lot
of that work is being transitioned in from the research side to
the operations side. So the National Weather Service, the
National Ocean Service, their mission, essential functions will
continue.
Senator Markey. I have a disagreement with you. A 27
percent cut is going to have an impact, because there is a
definite ripple effect that occurs when that kind of funding is
slashed.
Because weather readiness without funding is a
hallucination. You know, you can't cut something by 27 percent
even as the storms are enhanced as each year goes by without
having that additional capacity. So, I do not agree with you on
that issue.
And finally, Mr. Jordan, in 2012, Senator Inhofe wrote a
book called, ``The Greatest Hoax, How the Global Warming
Conspiracy Threatens Your Future''. The next year, you adopted
the social media handle @thegreatesthoax as a reference to that
book. Is that correct?
Mr. Jordan. Thank you for the question, Senator. That
particular name came about while I was earning my master's----
Senator Markey. No, I appreciate that. Can you explain why
you chose and kept the greatest hoax as your online identity
based upon Senator Inhofe's book? What was the joke in that?
Mr. Jordan. So there is no joke. It was a young man's
attempt at wit, and there is really no deeper meaning. They
came about contemporaneously and that is about it.
Senator Markey. No, I appreciate that. But if you want to
be a comedian, you should maybe go to open mic night at the
local club because this is serious business. You know, The
Greatest Hoax is not in any way a joke. It is an attempt to
undermine legitimate climate science, undermine those who lead
on weather, those who lead on protecting our oceans.
So it just says to me that all the rest of us have to get
more serious if the greatest hoax is your handle, because that
is not where our country should be. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
The Chairman. Thank you. Senator Baldwin.
STATEMENT OF HON. TAMMY BALDWIN,
U.S. SENATOR FROM WISCONSIN
Senator Baldwin. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, if
I may, I wanted to start by taking a moment of personal
privilege to say, I heard your remarks about your visit to Camp
Mystic, and they were heartfelt.
Closing with the Hunt Store, which is now Hunt Strong. I
just want to let you know that our prayers, my prayers, go out
to all the folks impacted by the tragedy in Kerr County and
throughout Central Texas.
Senator Markey. And may I say, I should have led with that
as well. I heard your comments. That was brilliant and
heartfelt. Thank you.
Senator Baldwin. Dr. Jacobs, Wisconsin feels the impact of
increasingly severe weather events like flooding, tornadoes,
and drought. And NOAA weather and satellite services are more
important now than ever. In particular, farmers in Wisconsin
depend upon the agency's data to decide when to plant.
And our shipping and fishing industries rely on it to plan
safe routes and travel schedules. NOAA data is vital for the
safety and economic security across the Midwest and the Great
Lakes region.
So if confirmed, will you commit to reversing the gutting
of NOAA's weather resources by restoring satellite surfaces and
staffing in particular?
Mr. Jacobs. If confirmed, definitely making sure staffing
is a top priority. And also satellite data, both the
procurement of it, access to it, utilization of it is also a
central top priority.
Senator Baldwin. Thank you. And thank you for our meeting
prior to this hearing today. I wanted to put on the record
something we talked about. So if confirmed, will you ensure
that high quality weather and climate data remains both freely
and publicly accessible to everyone that relies on it?
Mr. Jacobs. Thank you for the question. Yes, if confirmed,
it is my belief that this data should be readily accessible by
the public.
Senator Baldwin. I want to take a moment to recognize the
incredible network of Wisconsin organizations that partner with
NOAA to protect the Great Lakes, including the Wisconsin Sea
Grant, the National Estuarine Research Reserve System, the
Coastal Management Program, the Marine Sanctuary Program, and
many more. These programs operate on incredibly small, tight
budgets, while delivering enormous environmental and economic
returns.
And I would like to thank the people who lead this work in
my home State of Wisconsin. Dr. Jacobs, the Great Lakes are a
vital resource, not just for industry but for the 40 million
people who rely on them for their drinking water. NOAA plays a
major role in protecting the lakes alongside its Federal,
State, tribal, and local partners from invasive species, from
flooding and harmful algal blooms.
If confirmed, will you work to--on restoring and fully
funding coastal programs that most impact our Great Lakes,
including the Sea Grant, the Coastal Zone Management Program,
the Estuarine Research Program, and marine sanctuaries that are
doing this work right on the ground every day?
Mr. Jacobs. Thank you for the question. If confirmed, would
love to work with you on this going forward. I actually went
home last night and read up on lamprais after our conversation.
Senator Baldwin. And what did you learn?
Mr. Jacobs. Stuff I didn't really want to think about.
[Laughter.]
Senator Baldwin. Same here.
Mr. Jacobs. These are obviously very, very important to you
and your state, as well as to NOAA, and I would look forward to
working with you on this.
Senator Baldwin. Very good. Mr. Kumar, I am concerned that
the President's Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Proposal eliminates
funding for the EDA, which among many other critical functions
runs the Tech Hub Program that was enacted through the
Bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act.
As we discussed, Wisconsin has a tech hub focused on
personalized medicine and bio health technology, key areas for
improving patient care and competing with China. The future of
the Tech Hub Program is too important to leave in question.
So will you commit to keeping Congress updated on
Commerce's plans for the Tech Hub Program, and will you be
responsive when we have questions?
Mr. Kumar. Thank you for the question, Senator. And I
enjoyed our discussion yesterday on this topic. I know the
Secretary sees this as a very important program. And yes, if
confirmed, I am committed to working with you and ensuring the
EDA team works with you to ensure you and your office have all
the necessary information on tech hubs.
Senator Baldwin. And just to reiterate, the EDA program is
proposed to be closed, so it will be hard to have them be the
ones to be of contact. I need to know from you that you will
keep Congress informed where it is rehoused, if that is a
successful proposal on the part of the President.
Mr. Kumar. Absolutely. If confirmed, I will work with you
and your office on it.
Senator Baldwin. OK. And I would like to close by
reiterating my frustration with the lack of communication from
the Commerce Department regarding dismantling of the Minority
Business Development Agency. It is really unacceptable that the
Secretary has been unresponsive to Congress as he takes away
the resources for small businesses that we built up on a
bipartisan basis. So, if you are confirmed, I sincerely hope
this will change.
The Chairman. Thank you. Dr. Jacobs, President Trump has
made it a national priority to expand offshore oil and gas
production. NOAA plays a key role in reviewing permits and
issuing authorizations under the Marine Mammal Protection Act
and other laws.
If you are confirmed, how will you improve the efficiency
of the offshore permitting process, particularly when it comes
to environmental reviews under NEPA or the MMPA?
Mr. Jacobs. Thank you for the question, Senator. If
confirmed, I will work with the White House to find
efficiencies to unlock America's energy potential, consistent
with the Executive Order of unleashing American energy.
The Chairman. Mr. Jordan, a persistent challenge within
NOAA has been the siloed structure of its line offices, which
has resulted in research projects stalling or never
transitioning into operational use.
NOAA must close the gap between research and operations in
order to give the public and decisionmakers more timely and
actionable information. How would you accelerate the research
to operations timeline at NOAA and foster greater collaboration
across line offices?
Mr. Jordan. Thank you for the question, Senator. So moving
the research closer to the operational sister line offices of
NOAA would be important to take that research from OAR, where
it currently exists now, and moving it to the Weather Service
or the National Ocean Service.
The closeness with the operational end user, the outcome of
that data, will foster greater collaboration and innovation.
And you also get that feedback loop of research to operations,
operations to research. The operations really should be driving
what the research is focusing on.
The Chairman. Dr. Jacobs, we have seen a pattern of dual-
engine flameouts caused by water and hail ingestion when
aircraft descend into severe storms. Unlike commercial jets,
NOAA's hurricane hunters use turboprops, which are less
vulnerable because they do not pull water directly into the
engines.
Can you and the Department of Commerce commit to working
with the FAA to ensure that a future improved hurricane hunter
fleet uses appropriate technology to prevent deadly incidents?
Mr. Jacobs. Thank you for the question, Senator. I spent
many years in the aviation industry. The turboprops operate
differently. They essentially aren't affected by the air fuel
ratio, and that is what helps them in saturated environments.
And would definitely commit to working with the FAA on this
issue.
The Chairman. Great. Hurricanes have also been known to
pick up entire homes off their foundations. How big would a
drone need to be to navigate through a hurricane, and to your
knowledge is such a drone available?
Mr. Jacobs. Well, I think--well, thank you for the
question. There is probably two capabilities. One would be
flying against the wind and one flying with the wind. So for
the last couple of years, one of the things that NOAA has been
doing is deploying small drones inside of the hurricane to fly
around, but they are a foot or two long.
There is other potential opportunities to fly above the
hurricane and deploy things through the hurricane. I think it
is to be determined if we can actually fly one through the
hurricane, but I have been in conversations with a couple of
companies that are interested in potentially testing some
capabilities.
The Chairman. And in your judgment, what are the benefits
of artificial intelligence for improving weather forecasting?
Mr. Jacobs. The primary benefit, in my opinion, is
computational efficiency. Even if the artificial intelligence
can't do something better, if it can do it faster and more
efficiently, I think it is worth using.
The Chairman. OK. Senator Sullivan.
STATEMENT OF HON. DAN SULLIVAN,
U.S. SENATOR FROM ALASKA
Senator Sullivan. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Jacobs,
looking forward to meeting with you. And I want to--I missed a
lot of the hearing because we are marking up the defense bill.
But I want to look forward to working with you,
particularly on NOAA's jobs. In my state, in Alaska, NOAA does
really, really important work. And I have appreciated the Trump
Administration's Executive Order on restoring American seafood
competitiveness. You know, and I talked to Secretary Lutnick
about this, our fishermen often get the raw end of the deal,
right. If you are like a farmer, high tech, Silicon Valley guy,
or a Wall Street guy, the American government takes care of
you, right.
If you are--and you know, those are all important,
particularly our farmers. Nothing against them. But when you
are a fisherman, a lot of times it is like, hey, good luck,
right. And so, our fishermen don't ask a lot. They ask a few
basic things from the Federal Government, robust fish surveys
to inform accurate stock assessments and the timely
promulgation of regulations to open up the fisheries.
Unfortunately, NOAA, and this was during Biden for sure,
they didn't do stock assessments. They were going on doing all
their kind of other stuff. They got a lot of money, but they
weren't doing the basic blocking and tackling of stock
assessments. How much fish is in certain parts of the ocean,
and how much can we fish it, knowing that we want sustainable,
environmentally sound fisheries, OK.
I have been worried--and when the Deputy Secretary of
Commerce was here during his confirmation hearing, you know, I
let him know about my concerns that the Trump NOAA guys aren't
doing it either. And it is just--it is not good, right. You got
a basic job to do. So I need your commitment right now, if you
get confirmed, and you and I are going to have a long talk
about this when you come see me in my office, but you got to do
this, right. And you can't cut staff who do this work.
If you don't do surveys, guess what happens? The great
American fishermen that I represent--and by the way, my state
is the superpower of seafood. Over two-thirds of all seafood
harvested in America, commercial, subsistence, over two-thirds
comes from Alaska. So, if and when you get confirmed, you are
going to be spending a lot of time in Alaska. But--right?
Mr. Jacobs. Absolutely.
Senator Sullivan. Yes, good. OK. But my point is, if you
don't do the surveys, then the science is kind of crimped, and
people say, well, we are not sure what you can do, and it
limits their ability to actually go fish. So I want your view
on that.
I am sure Senator Cantwell has already hit you up on it.
But this is so important, and I am a little concerned that the
Department of Commerce under Secretary Lutnick is not doing it
either. And it is unacceptable.
You guys got to commit to me--and don't do like Biden did.
They got all this money and then they never did surveys either.
They did all their other stuff. I don't know what the hell they
did with the money. But commit to me on this right now, because
it is really important. This is going to be a main part of your
job. And, you know, first six months, I have been really
concerned.
And gosh darn it, this--we are not asking a lot. Do the
science. Do the surveys. You know, during COVID, people were
making up, oh, we can't go out. It is too dangerous. No, go do
the surveys. Can you talk a little about that and make a
commitment to me and my fishermen that you will get out and do
the damn surveys, right?
It is really--again, we don't ask for much. Basic blocking
and tackling that NOAA is supposed to do. And I don't know why
it is a problem right now. It shouldn't be a problem in the
Trump Administration. I need you to focus on it and commit to
me right now to do it.
Mr. Jacobs. Thank you for the question. So if confirmed,
absolutely. Stock assessments and surveys is a top priority. We
wouldn't be competitive in the seafood industry if we don't do
those, because understanding, you know, for example, the status
of pollock stock is essential for setting the quotas. And I
understand and appreciate your concerns, and if confirmed very,
very high priority.
Senator Sullivan. Good. And I appreciate that. We have a
lot of issues. The bycatch issue is an issue. I was just up on
the Yukon River. There is no fishing again on the Yukon. I was
up--my wife's family has a fish camp on the Yukon river.
There is no king fishing again. We need to get to the
bottom of what is happening to our salmon runs. I had
legislation, my Alaska Salmon Research Task Force Act, which
was passed. NOAA did some good work. But we have some runs in
Alaska that are doing great, Bristol Bay, sockeye run.
Other iconic runs in Alaska, king runs on the Yukon to
Kuskokwim, they are cratering and that really hurts people.
More than just food security, it is culture for our native
communities.
Can you commit to me to continue to work getting the best
science, the best minds on why we are seeing in certain parts
of Alaska these dramatic crashes in our salmon runs and why
that is happening, and take action to help us return to what
everybody in Alaska and America wants, strong, vibrant salmon
runs?
Mr. Jacobs. Thank you for the question. Absolutely. If
confirmed, we will commit to working on this. This is something
that I have been wondering about for a while because we do fund
a lot of this restoration, and a lot of these stocks don't seem
to be improving, and it is deeply concerning.
Senator Sullivan. Yes. Well, and there is a gap in the
research, right. That is one of the things that--it is a long
story, but the salmon live out in the ocean most of their life,
but the research from the Feds is actually not focused on
salmon.
Alaska, the state, focuses on salmon research, but within
the rivers, not out on the big ocean. We need more research on
what is happening to the salmon as they live out in the oceans
for most of lives, and that is where NOAA could be very
helpful. Can I get your commitment on that as well?
Mr. Jacobs. Yes. Definitely commit to working with you on
this.
Senator Sullivan. And then finally--and I do want to
compliment Secretary Lutnick and his team, President Trump and
his team on their Executive Order on seafood competitiveness.
That was really welcomed. It was a really good EO.
We got to work together to implement it. But the other
thing I just need your commitment on, and Secretary Lutnick has
been great on this, the unfair, unbalanced trade relationship
that we have had, particularly with Russia and China. What do I
mean? Russia banned the importation of American seafood in
2014. Zero fish from America could go to Russia.
And we, for whatever reason, for the last decade, have let
them import as much fish as they want. That is crushing our
fishermen, fishing communities. Finally, two years ago, under
the Biden Administration, I give them credit, they blocked the
importation of Russian seafood.
Then the Russians sent it to China to have it laundered in
China, and we closed that loophole, right. And the Trump
Administration, to their credit, has been really good about
keeping that ban on the importation of Russian seafood,
regardless of where they send it for secondary head gutting and
fileting.
But I need your commitment to continue to that and work
with us. We just had a really good hearing on IUU fishing,
where the Chinese, the Russians, they have no standards, they
use slave labor, and we need your help to work on those issues
as well. Can I get your commitment on those?
Mr. Jacobs. Absolutely.
Senator Sullivan. Good. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
The Chairman. Thank you. You know, Dr. Jacobs, you have
spent decades as a redfish fishing guide on the Atlantic. I do
have to ask, in following up my friend, Senator Sullivan's
questions, have you been salmon fishing in Alaska?
Mr. Jacobs. I have.
The Chairman. Good. That was the right answer, and it is
extraordinary. I have to----
Senator Sullivan. That was a right answer.
The Chairman. And it is a unique and beautiful place.
Senator Sullivan. Well, maybe when you come up to Alaska,
the Chairman and I, we can host you for some more fishing out
there.
Mr. Jacobs. I am looking forward to it.
The Chairman. And since he is a guide, we may do better
with him along.
Senator Sullivan. That is right.
[Laughter.]
The Chairman. Ranking Member Cantwell.
Senator Cantwell. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And I do want to
echo my colleague from Alaska--I did, you are right, bring it
up in my earlier questioning about stock assessments, but I
want to echo again. You know, our industries are just chasing a
never-ending, you know, go-around, right.
But it all starts with stock assessments as a really basic
information, and then making sure that we play a more
aggressive role internationally to stop the Russians and
Chinese for collaborating and impacting our fisheries.
So, very much appreciate your, you know, comments on that.
So I would like to follow on with, do you think we should have
a NOAA Organic Act? Will that help in persevering and
preserving stock assessments in a more robust way?
Mr. Jacobs. Thank you for the question. I believe NOAA is
long overdue to have its mission authorized and in statute. So,
very much support.
Senator Cantwell. Great, thank you. Do you support the
reauth--do you support the Weather Act reauthorization?
Mr. Jacobs. Yes.
Senator Cantwell. OK. Do you support replacing a
Northwest--the lab, the Northwest Fisheries Science Center?
When Senator Sullivan was talking about all of these issues, I
remember the whole Canadian, you know, threat to salmon and all
the work that we do at that NOAA facility in Seattle. Do we
need to replace that or make sure it still exists?
Mr. Jacobs. If I remember correctly, this was an issue when
I was at NOAA last time, and it was something we were working
on. And I believe there was discussion of potentially working
with the university or something.
Senator Cantwell. Yes. I think it just needs to take the
final step, so I just want to make sure----
Mr. Jacobs. Yes, I would love to work with you on that, if
confirmed.
Senator Cantwell. Do you support a tribal government
consultation?
Mr. Jacobs. I do.
Senator Cantwell. Great. I do think that is something that,
you know, is not an ongoing effort--we get it. We understand
it. With 29 tribes in the Northwest, we get what tribal to
government consultation, government to government consultation
means. But I do think from time to time, agencies forget this.
And certainly I think even in the last Administration, they
forgot this.
So hopefully you can help restore that. I understand my
colleague asked about the budget cuts, which you said you
supported, the 27 percent budget cut to NOAA. Is that correct?
So how do you keep your science mission, and particularly
in atmospheric and oceanic areas, how do you keep that science
mission if we are cutting that budget, when in reality, like
that is a core part of your mission?
Mr. Jacobs. So I appreciate the question. It is--you know,
a lot of these priorities, particularly, you know, weather
forecasting and things we have been discussing all day. Some of
that is being transferred to the Weather Service.
It is my hope for certain things that we are looking at to
basically fulfill the mission requirements of the forecasting
capabilities, that the Weather Service takes over a lot of
that. Some other aspects transferred to the Ocean Service.
Senator Cantwell. OK. So you think that the missions are
going to be preserved, just preserved somewhere else?
Mr. Jacobs. It is--I mean, yes. It is my objective to make
sure that NOAA fulfills their mission requirements.
Senator Cantwell. Great. I am glad you said that. And we
had a discussion earlier where you were saying, no, no, these
people need to be on the ground. You can't replace people on
the grounds.
So you have to have--you have the people that are
implementing, understanding the local regional dynamic on
weather, and also implementing an action plan, basically
getting first responders, everybody to help and implement that
based off that data. So very much appreciate that answer.
But in this, you know, it just reminds me, you know, Boeing
says, well, we are going to get rid of all these safety
inspectors. We are going to get rid of like 300 safety
inspectors. Why? Because that was their main job, and we can
just self-certify our work. Well, that didn't turn out very
well because they missed a lot.
Because it turned out that those safety people actually
were doing something really critically important. In fact, they
tried to automate parts of it and that turned out to be a
disaster, and so they changed it.
So I just, I am cautioning you--and I don't agree with the
Trump Administration proposal on cutting these programs. I
think there are essential scientific search information. I am
all for elevating the game. I have been for years. Elevating
with more supercomputing and certainly using--I think one of
the things that we can do is get better information so that
forecast is two weeks in advanced. Or why are we cutting these
weather balloons?
I mean the fact that the weather balloon is there to tell
you the amount of moisture and the condition of the atmosphere.
Why was that so important for us with fires? Because the land
was getting so dry. A lightning strike that may not have caused
a problem, now all of a sudden causes a problem.
So, the critical nature changed, and we had to understand
that. So I just, I hope that we are not thinking that we are
just going to like put weather up here in some big--you know,
oh, we have this really great way of getting information like
from the private sector somehow, or not going to play this
critical role. I don't know.
Mr. Jordan, you are shaking your head or nodding, so I
don't know if you have a thought on this. But we can't just
shift these resources somewhere else. We have to own them. NOAA
has to own them. They have to on weather forecasting. We need
it to be better, but we transfer some of it out and then say
that is somebody else. Mr. Jordan.
Mr. Jordan. Thank you for the opportunity to provide a
comment. So I agree--I was shaking my head in agreement with
you. Yes, the weather forecasting is very important. America
has a robust American private weather industry that really
amplifies the work that NOAA does, but it is very important for
NOAA to do its weather forecasting mission.
Senator Cantwell. OK. Well how do we preserve that in a
budget?
Mr. Jordan. I believe looking at the budget, again, not at
NOAA, looking at it from the outside, I see the Weather Service
mission, the line office, is preserved.
Senator Cantwell. But what about all the work they do to
understand?
Mr. Jordan. Within the Weather Service?
Senator Cantwell. Yes.
Mr. Jordan. The budget, I believe, funds the Weather
Service.
Senator Cantwell. OK. So I am talking about the R&D Office
of the Oceanic--that research group.
Mr. Jordan. Understood. Sorry for the confusion. And as Dr.
Jacobs said, looking at the budget again, not having the
conversations with the folks inside about what is happening,
but it looks like the transition of some of that work is
happening from OAR to the Weather Service.
Senator Cantwell. Yes. I think this is where we are
probably in--because that office, the Weather Research Office,
is eliminated. So I think what I should do, we should do is--I
have heard what Dr. Jacobs has said. Look, I want to get a
clear understanding of this. I think we are in a disagreement
on this. I think that we like this office. I don't think we
want it to be zeroed out.
We think it is the key to NOAA doing its job overall. And,
you know, as people talk about killing hurricane hunters. Is
that correct? Killing hurricane hunters. These are the people
that fly into the hurricanes and give us all the information.
Why would we kill that? Why would kill that?
So let's get a framework here and we will follow up with
some questions to both of you on this entire regime and how you
think it is going to work but--and I get it, you are nominees
by this Administration, so you are going to generally agree
with their budget. We disagree with it.
But I think more importantly, let's look at these programs
that are going to be cut and have an understanding from you at
least about what you think and how that responsibility is going
to get served.
Because without it being served, I have serious concerns
about our ability to do the job that NOAA is requested to do on
forecasting. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
The Chairman. Thank you, Senator Cantwell. Dr. Jacobs, Mr.
Jordan, Mr. Kumar, my final question is required of all
nominees.
If confirmed, do you pledge to work collaboratively with
this committee to provide thorough and timely responses to the
Committee's requests and to appear before the Committee when
requested?
Mr. Jacobs. Yes.
Mr. Jordan. Yes.
Mr. Kumar. Yes.
The Chairman. Thank you. I have letters of support for Dr.
Jacobs and Mr. Jordan's nominations. I ask unanimous consent to
be inserted in the hearing record. Without objection, so
ordered.
[The information referred to follows:]
The Chairman. Senators will have until the close of
business on Friday, July 11, to submit questions for the
record. The nominees will have to the close on Monday, July 14,
to respond to those questions. That concludes today's hearing.
The Committee stands adjourned.
[Whereupon, at 12:30 p.m., the hearing was adjourned.]
A P P E N D I X
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Roger Wicker to
Neil Jacobs
Question 1. Seafood production is a major economic driver in my
state, generating hundreds of millions of dollars and thousands of jobs
annually. The United States only imports about 80 percent of the
seafood we eat, and we have a seafood trade deficit of over $20
billion. The U.S. can and should urgently address this seafood
deficit--and that starts with producing more fresh, healthy, and
sustainable seafood at home through marine aquaculture.
NOAA oversees and manages our marine fisheries and aquaculture.
NOAA must lead the way in addressing the seafood trade deficit by
expanding our marine aquaculture. Do you commit to leading these
efforts?
Answer. The recent Executive Order on Seafood Competitiveness,
building on EO 13921, directs DOC and the Office of the United States
Trade Representative (USTR) to assess seafood competitiveness issues
and jointly develop a comprehensive seafood strategy, and convenes the
interagency Seafood Trade Task Force co-chaired by USTR and DOC. If
confirmed, I plan to use this vehicle to advance objectives to improve
access to foreign markets, address unfair trade practices, and ensure a
fair and competitive domestic market for U.S. seafood producers.
Question 2. Despite its economic and strategic importance, more
than 80 percent of the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) remains
unmapped at high resolution. High-tech ocean mapping, deep-sea
exploration, and hydrographic surveys are essential for enhancing
economic opportunities, improving national security, and ensuring
maritime safety.
How do you plan to support NOAA's leadership in marine technology
and expand ocean mapping, exploration, and characterization of our
coastal and deep-sea resources?
Answer. In alignment with the Administration's priority of
Unleashing America's Offshore Critical Minerals and Resources, if
confirmed, I will ensure that NOAA continues to prioritize mapping and
characterizing priority areas of the seabed, especially those with
abundant offshore resources. In alignment with that Executive Order, I
will coordinate with Federal agencies and the private sector to
accelerate data collection within the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf.
Additionally, I will ensure that NOAA continues to advance hydrographic
surveys in support of maritime safety and a more competitive U.S.
seafood industry.
During hurricane season, Mississippi regularly utilizes NOAA's Gulf
of America Coastal Ocean Observing System (GCOOS). Will you commit to
maintaining and expanding NOAA's hurricane research and real-time ocean
monitoring in the Gulf through the Integrated Ocean Observing System?
Answer. I am supportive of NOAA continuing to give public access to
regional ocean observing data, and will prioritize the integration of
available federal, academic, private sector and non-profit ocean data.
I remain committed to maintaining accessibility of ocean information in
support of defense, maritime navigation, commerce, public health and
safety, weather forecasting, fisheries, marine conservation and
protected areas, and ocean and Great Lakes resource management.
Question 3. Sea Grant plays a vital role in supporting our Nation's
coastal, Great Lakes, and ocean communities. It's especially important
in Mississippi, where Sea Grant is active in supporting commercial and
recreational fisheries and aquaculture to grow the blue economy. For
more than 50 years, the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium has
provided cost-effective, unbiased education, research, and workforce
development that benefit our communities and economy.
How will you continue to support education and workforce
development through the Sea Grant program?
Answer. Workforce development would be supported through NOAA's
continued investments in foundational science and technology.
Question 4. The Ocean Exploration Cooperative Institute (OECI) has
and continues to support the Trump Administration's priorities through
U.S. leadership in ocean exploration and technology development. The
OECI is the go-to for critical minerals discovery in the ocean due
their expertise with long-endurance autonomous surface and subsurface
vehicles. This work is accelerated through public-private partnerships
with industry.
What are your priorities for further implementation of public-
private partnerships with NOAA Cooperative Institutes? How do you plan
to utilize your authorities to incentivize innovative ocean research
and training in the United States?
Answer. The Ocean Exploration Cooperative Institute (OECI) plays a
critical role in advancing U.S. leadership in ocean exploration and
technology. OECI's capabilities--especially in long-endurance
autonomous surface and subsurface vehicles--are instrumental in
accelerating the discovery of critical minerals through strong public
private premierships. If confirmed, I commit to continuing to leverage
the E/V Nautilus, an OECI-affiliated vessel, to advance ocean science
and support the Administration's priority of unlocking seabed mineral
resources as well as identifying new opportunities to expand ocean
exploration in alignment with national goals. Cooperative Institutes
are an important component of NOAA's mission. My priority will be to
maintain this mission by ensuring research remains focused, responsive,
and tightly linked to the needs of the public.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Maria Cantwell to
Neil Jacobs
NOAA Workforce Reductions. I have serious concerns about the
current state of NOAA's workforce. Since January 2025, NOAA has lost a
combined 27,000 years of experience. The resulting brain drain has
impacted the entire agency. Overall, NOAA now has more than 3,000
vacant positions across the agency. I appreciated your commitment at
the hearing that ``staffing the Weather service offices is a top
priority'' but missions across NOAA's line offices are critical.
On February 19, 2025, I sent a letter to Secretary Lutnick urging
him to protect NOAA's critical workforce from the Trump
Administration's reduction-in-force initiatives and hiring freeze,
which would jeopardize the safety of the American public. Despite this
warning, about 600 probationary employees were fired across various
NOAA line offices, and over 1,000 employees have left through voluntary
separation programs. These staffing shortages are disrupting NOAA's
core functions. For instance, weather balloon launches have been
suspended, and multiple Weather Forecast Offices no longer able to
staff overnight shifts.
Question 1. Yes or No: Do you believe NOAA can operate at its peak
effectiveness when it has over 3,000 positions vacant?
Answer. If confirmed, my focus will be on ensuring we continue to
deliver on our vital mission of science, service, and stewardship.
Question 2. Yes or No: Do you think that the agency's ability to
carry out its mission effectively has been impacted by the loss of
about 2,000 officials since January?
Answer: NOAA has identified its core mission and functions, and if
confirmed, my focus will be on ensuring NOAA delivers on its important
functions.
Question 3. Yes or No: Will you commit to rule out any further
large-scale reductions to NOAA's workforce if confirmed?
Answer. If confirmed, I will ensure NOAA's mission effectiveness
remains steadfast and without compromise through strategic workforce
management and leveraging new technologies.
Question 4. Yes or No: Will you commit to fill these 3,000 vacant
NOAA positions without delay if confirmed?
Answer. If confirmed, I will ensure NOAA has adequate staffing to
effectively carry out its core, life-saving mission and strategic
priorities.
Question 5 What specific steps would you take to ensure the
National Weather Service has sufficient staff for all Weather Forecast
Offices and to provide Americans with accurate and timely weather
warnings?
Answer. If confirmed, I will immediately begin working with the
National Weather Service and NOAA Office of Human Capital Services to
ensure we have adequate staffing to effectively carry out its core,
life-saving mission and strategic priorities.
Question 6. Will you ensure NOAA is adequately staffed so that
Tribes are able to access meaningful government-to-government
consultation and technical assistance on NOAA programs, including
grants?
Answer. I support government-to-government consultations with
Tribes.
Question 7. Executive Order 14170 implements a Federal hiring
freeze, but it allows for exclusions for positions related to public
safety. The National Weather Service has been given a limited exemption
to rehire 126 positions. Do you intend to pursue an exemption to the
hiring freeze under for any other NOAA positions? If so, which
positions?
Answer. If confirmed, I will evaluate to determine how best to
fulfill our critical mission areas across all NOAA offices.
Question 8. Will you commit to providing this Committee a full list
detailing the number and duties of positions that have been terminated
due to layoffs, deferred resignation, or early retirement since January
20, 2025?
Answer. I am not at NOAA, so I do not have access to this
information. If confirmed, I will work with the Department to provide
the Committee with appropriate staffing information.
Question 9. What is your plan for rebuilding the base of expertise
that has been lost, ensuring that our science remains cutting edge, and
retaining experts that are otherwise likely to leave for work in other
nations?
Answer. If confirmed, I will evaluate our base of expertise to
ensure that NOAA can be a global leader in science by creating an
environment where our researchers are empowered, valued, and able to
deliver cutting-edge results for the American people.
National Marine Fisheries Service. American fisheries are the best
managed fisheries in the world because of science. However, recent
staffing cuts and the ongoing Federal hiring freeze have left NOAA with
a shortage of fishery managers, scientists, and vacancies for 180
mariners that NOAA needs to operate its ships.
As a result, 30 percent of NOAA's research vessel fleet will not
leave the dock this summer, which will result in at least 6 stock
assessments being cancelled. Without stock assessments, NOAA will have
to lower harvest levels. That means fewer fish, fewer fishing jobs, and
a damaging ripple effect throughout coastal economies that rely on
seafood.
Question 1. Yes or No: Do you support a hiring freeze exemption for
NOAA merchant mariners needed to get NOAA ships operational?
Answer. Yes.
Question 2. What is your plan to address stock assessment
shortfalls, including cancellation of multiple pollock, salmon, and
Gulf of Mexico surveys that red snapper and mackerel fishermen depend
on?
Answer. If confirmed I will work with Congress to ensure NOAA has
the needed resources to prioritize surveys, including by addressing
professional mariner vacancies and retention, and expanding the use of
uncrewed systems to augment NOAA's ability to conduct surveys.
Question 3. At the hearing you said you supported Pacific salmon.
Pacific Coast Salmon Recovery Fund (PCSRF) provides critical funding to
facilitate the recovery of Pacific salmon and steelhead and the
commercial, recreational, and tribal fisheries that rely on them. The
FY 2026 Presidential Budget would eliminate funding for this program,
which has restored salmon access to over 12,000 miles of streams and
leveraged $2.2 billion in non-PCSRF contributions. Do you commit to
protecting the PCSRF program and to distributing FY 2025 PCSRF funds?
Answer. Pacific salmon are critically important to the culture,
recreation, and economy of Washington and the nation, especially the
five species of salmon in Washington: Chinook, Coho, Chum, Pink, and
Sockeye. It is my understanding that some of the populations are not
showing the expected levels of recovery. If confirmed, I would welcome
the opportunity to learn more about various plans and projects to help
promote recovery.
Question 4. Yes or No: Do you support further investments in Tribal
salmon hatchery infrastructure?
Answer. I support the significant ecological and cultural benefits
derived from well-managed hatchery programs. These facilities are
essential for supporting the economic well-being of Tribal communities.
NOAA will continue to lend its scientific expertise and collaborate
closely with the Department of Interior and Tribal partners to ensure
these services continue effectively.
Question 5. Yes or No: Do you support moving the National Marine
Fisheries Service, the Office of Protected Resources, or any of their
activities and functions out of NOAA? If yes, explain why.
Answer. NOAA's FY 2026 President's Budget request proposes to
transfer Endangered Species Act (ESA) and Marine Mammal Protection Act
(MMPA) functions in the National Marine Fisheries Service Office of
Protected Resources to the Department of Interior's U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, which would improve coordination and efficiency, and
streamline implementation of these statutes, reducing regulatory burden
on American citizens and industry.
NOAA Organic Act and Weather Act. During Secretary Lutnick's
confirmation hearing in January, he testified that he did not support
breaking up and dismantling NOAA. Unfortunately, that's exactly what
the Administration is doing via executive actions.
One way to ensure certainty about NOAA's products and services that
American families rely upon is to authorize NOAA in statute.
Question 1. Yes or No: Do you support a NOAA Organic Act? If no,
why not?
Answer. Yes. I believe NOAA is long overdue to have its mission
authorized in statute. An organic act, at a high level, would provide
clarity to NOAA's mission in statute. There is also value in not being
overly prescriptive in an organic act to allow NOAA the flexibility to
quickly evolve priorities and capabilities to improve its mission.
Question 2. How would having an Organic Act protect communities
from these disasters?
Answer. An Organic Act would eliminate ambiguities arising from
dispersed authorities and could explicitly state NOAA's comprehensive
role in protecting against impacts from the environmental phenomena it
monitors.
Question 3. Yes or No: Do you support the Weather Act
Reauthorization? If no, why not?
Answer. Yes.
Northwest Fisheries Science Center. A significant portion of salmon
research occurs at the Northwest Fisheries Science Center in Seattle.
That building is in dire need of replacement. I previously secured
funding for a new building that could be collocated with the University
of Washington, but it was rescinded by the reconciliation bill.
Question 1. Do you support replacing the Northwest lab facility?
Answer. NOAA facilities, such as the Northwest Fisheries Science
Center, are crucial for the agency's mission. These facilities support
vital research, including that for Pacific salmon and steelhead
recovery, which is critical to the economy, culture, and Tribal Treaty
Rights in the Pacific Northwest. Investments in and replacement of
these facilities is important but need to be approached in a manner
that is realistic and sustainable. If confirmed, I will work with
Congress, GSA, and partners on any appropriate steps related to the
Northwest Fisheries Science Center.
Salmon Infrastructure. Salmon are central to the state of
Washington's economy, culture, Tribal Treaty Rights, and our identity
in the Pacific Northwest. We need a refined strategy with bold actions
that restores critical habitats and advances innovative science to turn
the tide on salmon declines so that we can make meaningful progress on
salmon restoration.
Question 1. Yes or No: Do you support including salmon
infrastructure, such as funding for hatcheries and culvert removal, in
future infrastructure and surface transportation packages?
Answer. NOAA considers the Tribes key partners in fisheries
management and will continue to work with them on fisheries issues.
Question 2. If confirmed, will you work with me to solve problems
that harm salmon populations such as culverts and hazardous tire
chemicals?
Answer. I understand the cultural and economic value of salmon and,
if confirmed, will work with Congress on appropriate solutions to limit
harm to this important resource.
Modernizing Satellites. In an exchange with Senator Capito
regarding weather alerts, you referenced an opportunity to ``modernize
NOAA weather radio and potentially look at satellite capabilities.''
Question 1. Can you elaborate on how you would like to modernize
NOAA weather radio and satellite capabilities in this way?
Answer. NOAA Weather Radio is one of the most valuable
communications tools available, but it relies heavily on copper wires
for broadcast. However, this reliance on copper is expensive, limited,
and susceptible to extreme temperatures. By leveraging satellite
capabilities, NOAA could strengthen its communication tools and ensure
more reliable broadcasts of weather alerts. This modernization could
improve the dissemination of critical information, particularly during
severe weather events. If confirmed, I will work with the National
Weather Service and partners to better understand the possibilities and
resources needed to modernize NOAA Weather Radio.
Question 2. Do you have concerns that a decreased NOAA budget will
make it difficult to complete projects like this, which you called a
``priority''?
Answer. If confirmed, I will work to ensure NOAA fulfills its
mission requirements.
NOAA Communication. In an exchange with Senator Hickenlooper during
your hearing, you testified, ``I'm not in the agency yet.''
Question 1. Have you entered any NOAA or DOC facility since you
were nominated on February 3, 2025? If yes, please specify the
location, date, time, and circumstances for each instance.
Answer. A couple times in February and March I went to NCEP for
community UFS meetings as part of my position at UCAR. I was in HCHB
May 15th and 16th working on my questionnaire and getting it notarized.
I was in DOC HCHB part of week 1 of June for some meet and greets and
the NOAA Fish Fry. I went to both HCHB and SSMC3 June 10 and 11 to get
some material for hearing prep and for a retirement party. HCHB July 1,
2, 7, 8th for hearing prep.
Question 2. Have you communicated with Secretary Lutnick or Deputy
Secretary Dabbar since your nomination regarding any policy, program,
or activity related to NOAA? If yes, please specify the date, subject
matter, participants, and circumstances for each interaction.
Answer. I have had a few high-level conversations to discuss my
onboarding if confirmed as well as a general meet-and-greet to get to
know future colleagues.
Question 3. Have you provided advice on NOAA policy, programs, or
operations with any NOAA or DOC official since your nomination not
reflected in the above question? If yes, please specify the date,
subject matter, participants, and circumstances for each interaction.
Answer. As part of my position with UCAR that deals with the UFS, I
attended monthly virtual meetings for model development that were
attended by NOAA employees. The community UFS is a community-led effort
out of UCAR.
Dismantling the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA). The Trump Administration is pursuing a FY 2026 budget proposal
that would reduce NOAA's budget by 27 percent, eliminate
Congressionally mandated programs, and transfer part of the National
Marine Fisheries Service to the Interior Department.
During his confirmation hearing, Secretary Lutnick told me that he
has, ``no interest in separating'' NOAA and that breaking up NOAA, ``is
not on my agenda.'' Yet, that is exactly what the Administration is
trying to do.
Question 1. Do you support any function, mission, or
congressionally authorized or appropriated work within NOAA, or
executed by NOAA, being moved out of the NOAA or the Department of
Commerce? If yes, please describe.
Answer. I recognize the ongoing discussions regarding NOAA's
structure. If confirmed, I will work to ensure that NOAA's critical
missions--from weather forecasting to ocean and fisheries management--
continue to be executed with the utmost effectiveness and scientific
rigor, regardless of any potential organizational changes.
NOAA Research. As an atmospheric scientist, you understand the
importance of scientific research and development. The FY 2026
Presidential Budget proposes eliminating the Office of Oceanic and
Atmospheric Research (OAR) as a line office. The budget would terminate
all funding for NOAA's Research Laboratories and Cooperative
Institutes, Regional Climate Data and Information, Climate Competitive
Research, National Sea Grant College Program, and the National
Oceanographic Partnership Program.
Question 1. Yes or no, do you support eliminating OAR? If yes,
explain why.
Answer. I support the President's budget request for NOAA. The
budget request streamlines agency operations and prioritizes its public
safety mission, while providing for efficiencies within NOAA research
by more closely aligning operational and research components to foster
collaboration and drive innovation. This realignment will strengthen
delivery of actionable science to NOAA's operational end-users and
remains responsive to the needs of the public.
Question 2. Do you believe NOAA/NWS forecast improvements will
flatline or degrade if this research is eliminated?
Answer. Research to support forecast improvements is being
realigned to sit closer to the National Weather Service to strengthen
the transition from research to operations.
Question 3. How do you define climate?
Answer. In the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of
2017, ``seasonal'' is defined as the time range between 3 months and 2
years, and ``subseasonal'' is defined as the time range between 2 weeks
and 3 months. It is implied that ``climate'' is the time range beyond
seasonal.
Question 4. What do you believe is NOAA's role in climate research?
Answer. NOAA's mission to understand and predict changes in
weather, oceans, climate, and coasts, and to provide this information
to decision-makers. NOAA accomplishes this goal through long-term
observations, cutting-edge modeling, and scientific analysis.
Question 5. Do you support fully funding NOAA's Cooperative
Institutes?
Answer. I support the President's budget request to streamline
agency operations, prioritize its public safety mission, and find
efficiencies. My priority will be to maintain this mission by ensuring
research remains focused, responsive, and tightly linked to the needs
of the public.
Question 6. Do you support fully funding the NOAA Research
Laboratories?
Answer. I support the President's budget request to streamline
agency operations, prioritize its public safety mission, and find
efficiencies. I support the research capabilities provided by these
laboratories and will ensure these capabilities continue to advance
NOAA's mission.
Question 7. The National Severe Storm Laboratory's experimental
Warn-on-Forecast System is working to improve lead times for tornado
and severe weather warnings. Do you support continuing the Warn-on-
Forecast System and similar weather research efforts?
Answer. Warn-on-Forecast is a very successful modeling system.
Despite being considered a research project, it has been used
operationally to assist in NWS's public safety mission. I support
transitioning programs such as this into operations to keep Americans
safe.
Question 8. How will you ensure the safety of the American public
if OAR programs that aim to prepare communities to face extreme weather
events are dismantled?
Answer. I will continue to support NOAA's mission of providing
environmental data to decision makers and ensure that NOAA is
adequately staffed to meet this mission. My understanding is that
programs that support community preparedness for extreme weather are
being realigned within the National Weather Service and National Ocean
Service to ensure they are aligned with operational end-users.
Climate Adaptation Partnerships. There are 13 NOAA Climate
Adaptation Partnership (CAP) teams around the country. And yet, the
grant to only one, the Northwest Climate Resilience Collaborative
(NCRC) based at the University of Washington, remains terminated by the
Administration.
The NCRC team addresses unique needs of the region, including those
related to extreme heat that led to more than 400 deaths in Washington
due to the ``heat dome'' that descended on the region during the summer
of 2021. NCRC also helps vulnerable populations to mitigate against the
negative health effects of wildfire smoke and extreme heat.
Question 1. Could you provide us with the rationale for why this
grant is the only one that remains terminated?
Answer. I appreciate your support for the CAP program. I am not
privy to current administration actions.
Question 2. Another team has had its grant restored. What steps can
the NCRC take to have its grant restored?
Answer. I am not privy to current administration actions.
Scientific Integrity. During your previous service as Acting NOAA
Administrator, the Department of Commerce Inspector General found that
NOAA officials, including you, issued statements under political
pressure that contradicted the scientific forecasts from the National
Weather Service. NOAA also commissioned an investigation by the
National Academy of Public Administration that found you violated NOAA
scientific integrity policies.
Question 1. Do you commit to uphold and abide by NOAA's scientific
integrity policy if confirmed?
Answer. I am committed to promoting scientific integrity within
NOAA. I have valued, promoted and benefited from scientific integrity
throughout my career, in academia, industry and at NOAA and will
continue to champion it going forward.
Question 2. What specific lessons have you learned after being
found to have violated NOAA's scientific integrity policies?
Answer. I commit to rigorous adherence to and enforcement of
scientific integrity policies to ensure NOAA's forecasts cannot be
compromised.
Question 3. What specific steps will you take to ensure that NOAA's
forecasts cannot be compromised and career scientists are empowered to
publish and communicate their findings without political interference
in the future?
Answer. I commit to rigorous adherence to and enforcement of
scientific integrity policies to ensure NOAA's forecasts cannot be
compromised.
Contract Review. Currently, all NOAA contracts and grants greater
than $100k require Secretary Lutnick's personal approval. There are
thousands of contracts and grants that meet that threshold. As you can
imagine, this has resulted in a significant bottleneck, causing
critical contracts to terminate, lapse, or be signed mere hours before
they expire.
Question 1. Do you support this practice?
Answer. Yes. I recognize the critical importance of timely and
affective contract and grant execution to NOAA's mission. Following the
Administration's Executive Orders on procurement and contracting, the
Department of Commerce has implemented an updated review process for
contracts and grants, including those over $100,000. I am committed to
working closely with the Department to ensure that this process
protects integrity, while also allowing NOAA to carry out its
responsibilities without unnecessary disruption.
Question 2. What will you do to ensure NOAA contracts are reviewed
in a timely and efficient manner without inadvertent lapses?
Answer. I will work closely with NOAA and the Department of
Commerce to assist in timely review of contracts.
Question 3. Will you commit to alerting Congress of the lapse or
cancellation of any monetarily or operationally significant contracts
in a timely manner?
Answer. I will work through the appropriate Congressional Affairs
office and the Department of Commerce to ensure information is
transmitted in a timely manner.
Geostationary Extended Observations (GeoXO) Satellite System. As
the GOES-R satellites end their operational lifetime, the GeoXO
satellites will replace them. Currently NOAA plans to launch six
satellites with instruments including a lightning mapper (LMX), Sounder
(GXS), Atmospheric Composition (ACX), Imager (GXI), and Ocean Color
(OCX). The GeoXO Sounder will improve regional forecast accuracy by 40
percent and is tailored to improve forecasts of rapidly changing
convective events like the severe storms that caused catastrophic
flooding in Texas.
Question 1. Do you support NOAA's current plan for six satellites?
Answer. I am not privy to the status of current instrument
contracts and their life-cycle procurement and management. If
confirmed, I look forward to reviewing the Agency's plans for their
next generation geostationary satellite constellation.
Question 2. What can NOAA do to maintain the launch timeline and
avoid a gap in coverage?
Answer. To maintain launch timelines and avoid data gaps, NOAA
should ensure it works with its Federal partners and stakeholders on
procurement schedules, system integration, and constellation
management. NOAA should also, where appropriate and feasible, consider
partnerships with other Federal agencies and the private sector for
unique orbits and data that support public safety and operational
readiness.
Question 3. The plan laid out for the GeoXO program under your
leadership during the first Trump Administration also included
economically beneficial ocean color, atmospheric composition, and
lightening mapper observations. These instruments help us monitor air
quality impacts from pollution and smoke, predict the intensity of
hurricanes and respond to wildfires, and track ocean pollution, water
quality, and hazards like harmful algal blooms that can impact
fisheries and water supplies. Do you still support including
instruments for these observations on GeoXO satellites?
Answer. I am not privy to the status of current instrument
contracts and their life-cycle procurement and management. If
confirmed, I look forward to reviewing NOAA's plan for the GeoXO
constellation. I will continue to support NOAA's observing networks
that improve NOAA's mission.
Question 4. Do you support cancelling existing contracts that would
incur large penalties?
Answer. I am not privy to the status of current contracts or
procurement decisions. The Administration is committed to cost
efficiency and ending wasteful government spending. If confirmed, I
will continue to support networks that improve NOAA's mission and
support public safety while balancing budgetary constraints.
Fisheries. According to the latest statistics from 2022, U.S.
commercial and recreational fisheries generated $321 billion in sales,
2.3 million jobs, and $149.8 billion in value-added to the U.S.
economy. Commercial fisheries landings alone were valued at $5.9
billion, and recreational fishermen took 201 million fishing trips that
year. Communities across the country rely on these fisheries and the
benefits they provide. They also rely on NOAA Fisheries providing world
class science and management to support this fishing activity.
Question 1. Will you commit to investing effort and resources into
improving fishery data systems, navigating climate change, and other
pressures on fisheries?
Answer. I look forward to working with all stakeholders to address
pressures on American fisheries. In addition to promoting the
production, sale, and trade of U.S. fishery and aquaculture products,
embracing new technologies and science-based approaches to stock
assessments will benefit both the U.S. commercial fishing industry and
recreational fishing community.
Question 2. Will you commit to ensuring stock assessment surveys
are completed?
Answer. If confirmed, I will work to ensure NOAA has the needed
resources to prioritize surveys, including addressing professional
mariner vacancies and retention, and expanding the use of uncrewed
systems to augment NOAA's ability to conduct surveys.
Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS). IOOS provides real-time
data that are a critical part of accurate weather forecasting and
provide information that keep fishermen, mariners, and recreational
boaters safe while at sea. They also provide information that is
essential for harmful algal bloom forecasting. However, the
administration has proposed eliminating funding for regional IOOS
networks.
Question 1. Do you support this critical program that aids in
weather forecasting, benefits our Nation's fisheries, supports
commerce, and keeps Americans safe on the water?
Answer. I am supportive of NOAA continuing to give public access to
regional ocean observing data, and will prioritize the integration of
available federal, academic, private sector and non-profit ocean data.
I remain supportive of maintaining accessibility of ocean information
in support of defense, maritime navigation, commerce, public health and
safety, weather forecasting, fisheries, marine conservation and
protected areas, and ocean and Great Lakes resource management.
Illegal, Unregulated, and Unreported (IUU) Fishing. IUU fishing is
a key driver of global overfishing that threatens marine ecosystems,
food security, and regional stability. It's a major global challenge
that requires a whole-of-government approach by U.S. agencies for
effective data collection, sharing of information, and enforcement
efforts. The recent Executive Order 14276 on seafood competitiveness
emphasized the urgency of protecting U.S. markets and maritime security
from threats posed by IUU fishing and those products entering U.S.
supply chains. It explicitly calls for enhanced Federal efforts to
counter IUU fishing, improve traceability of seafood products, and
coordinate more effectively across agencies, including CBP, Coast
Guard, and the State Department. Given the scale of the threat and the
vulnerabilities in U.S. seafood supply chains, this EO represents an
opportunity and responsibility for NOAA to lead and act quickly.
Question 1. What actions will you take to ensure NOAA's efforts to
address IUU fishing is prioritized and sufficiently resourced?
Answer. Combating IUU fishing is critical to protecting American
seafood competitiveness. If confirmed, I will ensure that NOAA is
advancing stronger enforcement, expanding the Seafood Import Monitoring
Program, and working with global partners to close loopholes that allow
illegally caught fish into the U.S. market.
Question 2. What actions will you take to improve coordination
between NOAA and other agencies and ensure a whole-of-government
approach to combating IUU fishing?
Answer. The recent Executive Order on Seafood Competitiveness,
building on EO 13921, directs DOC and the Office of the United States
Trade Representative (USTR) to assess seafood competitiveness issues
and jointly develop a comprehensive seafood strategy, and convenes the
interagency Seafood Trade Task Force co-chaired by USTR and DOC. If
confirmed, I plan to use this vehicle to advance objectives to improve
access to foreign markets, address unfair trade practices, and ensure a
fair and competitive domestic market for U.S. seafood producers.
Extreme Weather. According to NOAA, since 1980 we've had an average
of nine extreme weather events annually that cost over $1 billion each.
However, in the last five years, that has spiked to 23 events per year,
and last year it was 27 events. Climate change is driving more intense
hurricanes, more frequent severe atmospheric rivers, rain events, and
is doubling the number of wildfires. NOAA plays a principal role in
ensuring the American public is informed and prepared to respond to
extreme weather events.
Question 1. As extreme weather events across the country become
more frequent, what do you believe is NOAA's role in coordinating
resilience and response efforts?
Answer. NOAA's role in coordinating resilience and response efforts
is central to supporting the U.S. government's ability to respond to
extreme weather events. NOAA provides authoritative data, tools, and
forecasts to decision-makers.
Question 2. How will you improve NOAA's cooperation with local
emergency managers during extreme weather events?
Answer. NOAA plays a crucial role in supporting emergency managers
before, during and after hazardous weather events. This relationship
between NOAA and emergency managers is built around communication,
coordination, and data sharing to help protect lives and property. If
confirmed, I will prioritize improvements including adopting new
technologies, embedding of NWS staff in Emergency Operations Centers to
provide face-to-face support, and continued enhancement of NWS's
messaging and impact-based decision support services.
Question 3. NOAA/NWS radars are nearing end of life. What plan
would you enact as NOAA Administrator to ensure these crucial
instruments are upgraded and replaced with little to no interruption of
data?
Answer. The National Weather Service radars are reaching the end of
their life span in the 2030s. NWS is actively working on a plan to
upgrade and/or replace radars. If confirmed, I will work with NOAA
lines offices to ensure NOAA radar systems continue to meet mission
requirements, and that advanced planning is underway to eventually
replace these systems in the future using the best available science
and innovation.
Commercial Data and Services. Project 2025 proposes that ``NWS
should fully commercialize its forecasting operations'' and encourages
increased use of private sector data and services. As a government
agency funded by taxpayer money, NOAA is a trusted source of free,
reliable data.
Question 1. What do you see as NOAA's core government functions
that cannot be privatized or commercialized, particularly at NWS and
NESDIS?
Answer. NOAA's public safety mission and its weather forecasting
are core government functions that Americans across the country rely on
every day. NOAA has historically utilized data and expertise from non-
government sources to help it create and improve its weather models.
NOAA relies heavily on non-governmental partners to help build its
observing networks and infrastructure. However, the products and
services derived from these observing systems and infrastructure are a
core government function.
Question 2. How will you ensure that NOAA avoids ``vendor lock''
when incorporating more commercial data and services?
Answer. NOAA takes commercial marketplace offerings into
consideration when reviewing potential new sources of data. Increased
use of industry engagement, such as industry days, general requests for
information, and advanced planning can help ensure NOAA has an adequate
understanding of commercial capabilities, and where these capabilities
align NOAA mission needs.
Question 3. Currently, NOAA data is openly available to the public,
but if NOAA buys data from private companies using taxpayer money, how
will you ensure data will be made publicly available?
Answer. NOAA's products and services are made available to the
public. NOAA has historically acquired data from non-traditional or
non-governmental partners, often with open redistribution licenses.
There have been instances of limited redistribution restrictions;
however, NOAA and government end-users, as well as researchers,
typically have access to these datasets through research-only
agreements or with time-lagged full access.
Question 4. Do you agree that NOAA satellites and associated ground
and data systems are core public infrastructure and a national security
asset?
Answer. NOAA's current satellites and ground systems in use are
taxpayer funded public infrastructure and national security assets.
Climate Change
Question 1. Yes or No: Do you agree with the scientific consensus
that human activity is the primary cause of climate change?
Answer. In the absence of various short-term natural forcings that
can often dominate the surface and lower-tropospheric temperature
measurements, humans do have an impact through greenhouse gas
emissions.
Question 2. Yes or No: Do you agree with the scientific consensus
that climate change is driving more intense and more frequent severe
weather events?
Answer. Scientific consensus, according to the Intergovernmental
Panel on Climate Change's latest Assessment Report (AR6, Chapter 12,
Table 12.12), is not uniform across each type and event, with some
events such as tropical cyclones, heavy precipitation, and floods
receiving low confidence in observed trends, while other events are
listed as medium confidence. NOAA will continue to work to understand
and predict changes in the weather, oceans, climate, and coasts.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Edward Markey to
Neil Jacobs
Question 1. Do you agree that warming waters, caused by climate
change, are causing fish stocks to shift from their traditional ports?
If confirmed, how would you support adaptive fisheries management
policies and initiatives?
Answer. I recognize that many stocks are shifting. If confirmed, I
will focus on maintaining scientific assessment capabilities within
NOAA Fisheries, leveraging data and modeling advancements, and
providing actionable decision support to our management partners.
Do you believe that eliminating funding to interjurisdictional
fisheries grants will help fishermen deal with shifting stocks? If yes,
please explain why.
Answer. I recognize that many stocks are shifting, resulting in
increased operational costs and challenges for the American fishing
fleet. If confirmed, I will work to identify ways to support fishermen
dealing with shifting stocks, including through grants, technology and
modeling advancements, and provision of data and actionable decision
support to our management partners.
Question 2. The Trump budget would cut the National Marine
Fisheries Service by 33 percent, zeroing out programs that include
interjurisdictional fisheries grants, species recovery funds, and
salmon programs. The proposal also cuts fisheries management programs
and services by 25 percent.
Do you believe that cutting funds intended to aid fish species
recovery will support American seafood competitiveness? If yes, please
explain why.
Answer. I support the President's Budget. The recent Executive
Order on Seafood Competitiveness, building on EO 13921, directs DOC and
the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to assess
seafood competitiveness issues and jointly develop a comprehensive
seafood strategy, and convenes the interagency Seafood Trade Task Force
co-chaired by USTR and DOC. I plan to use this vehicle to advance
objectives to improve access to foreign markets, address unfair trade
practices, and ensure a fair and competitive domestic market for U.S.
seafood producers.
Do you believe reduced funding to fisheries management programs
will support American fishermen in getting up-to-date information,
quotas, and Federal aid? If yes, please explain why reduced resources
for this service will support American fishermen.
Answer. Supporting American fishermen is a priority of this
Administration. If confirmed, I commit to evaluating all options and
resources to achieve that goal.
Question 3. How do you plan to ensure that fisheries surveys take
place on time across the nation, following the reductions in force and
budget--especially considering American fishermen are already
experiencing ongoing lapses in survey data caused by insufficient
funds?
Answer. If confirmed, I will focus on addressing professional
mariner vacancies and retention and expanding the use of uncrewed
systems to augment NOAA's ability to conduct surveys.
Question 4. The President's proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2026
eliminates NOAA's primary research arm--the Office of Oceanic and
Atmospheric Research (OAR). This would zero out funding for vital
weather and climate research programs that enable reliable, accurate
forecasting, and a better understanding of the climate crisis. You
testified that OAR programs will simply be reorganized into different
offices, yet many critical OAR programs that are necessary to
Massachusetts and the rest of the Nation are zeroed out and not simply
moved. Do you believe that eliminating funding for the research and
science that underpins National Weather Service and National Ocean
Service data result in improved forecasting? If yes, please explain
how.
Answer. I support the President's budget request for NOAA. The
budget request streamlines agency operations and prioritizes its public
safety mission, while providing for efficiencies within NOAA research
by more closely aligning operational and research components to foster
collaboration and drive innovation. This realignment will strengthen
delivery of actionable science to NOAA's operational end-users and
remains responsive to the needs of the public. If confirmed, I will
continue to support NOAA's mission of providing environmental data to
decision makers and ensure that NOAA is adequately staffed to meet this
mission. My understanding is that programs that support community
preparedness for extreme weather are being realigned within the
National Weather Service and National Ocean Service to ensure they are
aligned with operational end-users.
Question 5. During our meeting, you agreed that ocean observations
are critically important for accurate weather forecasting. During your
nomination hearing, when asked about how you would improve weather
forecasting, you said accurate forecasting relies on ``more and better
observations because these predictions are initial value problems.''
The President's Budget zeroes out the Integrated Ocean Observing System
(IOOS), and the Sustainable Ocean Observation and Monitoring (SOOM)
system budget would be cut significantly and is set to be moved under
the National Ocean Service. In addition to all of the data these
systems provide to researchers and others who work on or around the
ocean, the Navy relies on utilizing NOAA sensor buoys to forecast how
water conditions will affect submarine communications and operations,
making them critical to our national defense.
Will you commit to advocate for observations and monitoring
services?
Answer. I support public access to regional ocean observing data
and will prioritize the integration of available federal, academic,
private sector and non-profit ocean data.
Will you ensure that these observing systems are able to provide
undiminished and accurate data to the American people, our military,
and small business owners?
Answer. I will work to maintain the accessibility of ocean
information in support of defense, maritime navigation, commerce,
public health and safety, weather forecasting, fisheries, marine
conservation and protected areas, and ocean and Great Lakes resource
management.
Question 6. You have previously voiced support for Sea Grant. To
all 34 states with a Sea Grant program, Sea Grant is part of their core
capabilities. Sea Grant is a smart and cost-effective investment in our
coastal communities--in 2023, Sea Grant's return on investment of $94
million was nearly a full order of magnitude at a whopping $828
million.
Do you support the Sea Grant program?
Answer. The President's budget request clearly focuses Federal
spending.
If eliminated, how would NOAA achieve Sea Grant's extension work,
workforce development, and local innovation roles that are vital to
American seafood competitiveness?
Answer. NOAA would support essential aspects of extension work and
local innovation by focusing on data dissemination within NOAA
Fisheries and the National Ocean Service.
Workforce development would be supported through NOAA's continued
investments in foundational science and technology.
Question 7. During our meeting, you spoke of the need for proactive
measures that can prevent and mitigate devastating loss of life and
property caused by severe weather events turbocharged by the climate
crisis. The President's proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2026 would
eliminate funding for NOAA's Climate Adaptation Partnerships Program.
This program funds projects that improve risk communication during
wildfires and storm surges and allow localities and states to create
effective heat response plans. Projects like these can help us protect
critical infrastructure, preserve homes, but most importantly--save
lives.
Do you support the elimination of this program?
Answer. I support high priority ocean and weather research programs
in the National Ocean Service and the National Weather Service.
If yes, how will you ensure that the proactive measures you claim
to support can be deployed successfully at the local and state level,
where they are needed most?
Answer. If confirmed, my focus will be on providing critical
scientific data and actionable insights that empower local and state
planners to develop their own strategies.
Question 8. In spite of increasingly severe and frequent weather
events, NOAA has lost more than 1,875 employees since the start of this
administration--amounting to a collective 27,000 years of expertise
lost. During your confirmation hearing, you expressed support for
National Weather Service staff at regional forecasting offices. If
nominated to serve as Assistant Secretary and NOAA Administrator, will
you commit to restoring staff levels at NWS forecasting offices to
ensure that NOAA accomplishes its mission?
Answer. If confirmed, I will work with the National Weather Service
and NOAA Office of Human Capital Services to ensure we have adequate
staffing to effectively carry out its core, life-saving mission and
strategic priorities.
If not, how will you deliver on NOAA's mission without adequate NWS
staffing levels?
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Tammy Duckworth to
Neil Jacobs
NOAA's Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR), with a
$738 million budget, funds a wealth of research programs including 10
major labs and 16 cooperative institutes--university-based research
centers responsible for roughly half of NOAA's scientific research. The
NOAA FY26 budget request terminates OAR, which includes these Climate
Laboratories, Cooperative Institutes and research programs and all of
the research that goes along with them.
The former head of OAR, Craig McLean stated these cuts would
cripple U.S. global leadership on climate and ocean science, sending us
back to the 1950s. He also said NOAA's research is inseparable from the
agency's mission and that eliminating it would disrupt everything from
tracking fish migration to forecasting hurricanes, heatwaves, wildfires
and deadly floods.
Question 1. Do you believe that NOAA's research is inseparable from
the agency's mission, and critical in supporting key economic sectors
and advancing vital national interests related to public safety,
disaster preparedness and emergency response? Please explain.
Answer. NOAA's mission is vital to protecting lives, property,
natural resources, and economic well-being.
Question 2. Do you believe OAR and the major labs and cooperative
institutes contribute critical work to our national research?
Answer. OAR programs that support community preparedness for severe
weather are being realigned to ensure their work is more directly
connected to operational programs within the National Weather Service
and National Ocean Service. This realignment will strengthen delivery
of actionable science to NOAA's operational end-users and remains
responsive to the needs of the public. If confirmed, I will continue to
support NOAA's mission of providing environmental data to decision
makers and ensure that NOAA is adequately staffed to meet this mission.
Question 3. Please explain how you will ensure these labs are
staffed with the necessary experts and that their services will
continue to deliver the science, data and resources to State agencies
and the public that rely on them?
Answer. If confirmed, I will work to ensure that NOAA's critical
missions--from weather forecasting to ocean and fisheries management--
continue to be executed with the utmost effectiveness and scientific
rigor, regardless of any potential organizational changes.
The Great Lakes Environmental Research Lab (GLERL) is a Cooperative
Institute within the OAR. It is a NOAA regional center for innovative
research that is critical in developing coastal forecast systems and
toxic algal bloom forecasting, informing the restoration and management
of sustainable ecosystems and resilient communities.
Question 1. How will you maintain these Cooperative Institutes'
labs, research and other services that they provide that are essential
to public health of the Nation and the health of the Great Lakes?
Answer. My priority will be to maintain this mission by ensuring
research remains focused, responsive, and tightly linked to the needs
of the public.
Question 2. Please explain how will NOAA continue to be an
effective partner in the implementation of the Great Lakes Restoration
Initiative when President Trump is seeking to terminate programs that
support this bipartisan initiative?
Answer. I support the President's Budget. Even without dedicated
program support for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, NOAA would
still serve as the authoritative Federal source for foundational
scientific capabilities essential to the Great Lakes.
Professional complaints were filed against you based on your
involvement in Trump's inaccurate statements and use of a Sharpie pen
to ridiculously, and falsely, mislead the public into believing that
the National Weather Service (NWS) originally projected the storm area
for Hurricane Dorian to include Alabama. This was a major scandal
because it involved President Trump providing the public with incorrect
information about the projected path of a dangerous Hurricane, and when
corrected--instead of humbly acknowledging his mistake and thanking the
NWS for correcting his erroneous warning--the President willfully and
knowingly falsified an agency exhibit with a Sharpie pen in an effort
to blame NWS for the inaccurate storm warning he tweeted to the people
of Alabama. In a pathetic act of cowardice and sycophancy, under your
leadership, NOAA sent an unsigned letter to NWS criticizing the agency
for correcting the President's incorrect storm path warning. This
scandal resulted in NOAA's Scientific Integrity Officer initiating an
independent investigation that was conducted by the National Academy of
Public Administration (NAPA).
NAPA found you violated NOAA's Code of Ethics for Science
Supervision and Management in two of the three complaints.
Specifically, NAPA found that you ``engaged in misconduct
intentionally, knowingly or in reckless disregard of the Code of
Scientific Conduct or Code of Ethics for Science Supervision and
Management in NOAA's Scientific Integrity Policy.''
Question 1. Do you concur with NAPA that you ``engaged in
misconduct intentionally, knowingly or in reckless disregard of the
Code of Scientific Conduct or Code of Ethics for Science Supervision
and Management in NOAA's Scientific Integrity Policy''?
Answer. If confirmed, I will lead NOAA knowing that every action
taken under my leadership will uphold transparency, rigor, and the
unimpeded communication of scientific findings.
Question 2. Effective leaders lead by example, shaping an
organization's culture less with words than through demonstrated
actions that exemplify the honor, integrity and values expected of all
employees. Given an independent NAPA investigation determined that as
Acting Administrator, you failed to uphold the Code of Scientific
Conduct or the Code of Ethics for Science Supervision and Management in
NOAA's Scientific Integrity Policy, why should this committee have
confidence in your ability to lead NOAA and ensure agency compliance
with all ethical codes related to scientific conduct and integrity?
Answer. I commit to rigorous adherence to and enforcement of
scientific integrity policies to ensure NOAA's forecasts cannot be
compromised.
Question 3. What specific actions will you take to uphold NOAA's
Scientific Integrity Policy and protect career scientists from
political or commercial interference in their work?
Answer. I am committed to promoting scientific integrity within
NOAA.
Question 4. Will you commit to publicly disclosing any meetings or
communications you have with former employers, former clients or former
contractors related to NOAA's operations or contracting decisions?
Answer. Per my ethics agreement, I am recused from holding meetings
with or being involved in contracting decisions involving former
employers.
The horrific weather events in Texas further iterate the need for
public, free, government-backed reliable and innovative weather
forecasting and data. We cannot put people's lives at stake by turning
weather forecasting and information into a subscription service. This
would turn weather and safety information into just one more thing that
would intentionally and disproportionally place economically
disadvantaged households in harm's way.
Question 1. Given NOAA's statutory obligation to provide free,
government-backed weather and climate information, do you support
continued public access to NOAA data without restriction or
privatization?
Answer. I remain committed to maintaining accessibility of ocean
information in support of defense, maritime navigation, commerce,
public health and safety, weather forecasting, fisheries, marine
conservation and protected areas, and ocean and Great Lakes resource
management. In 2019, under my leadership, NOAA unveiled the Big Data
Project, now called NOAA Open Data Dissemination, that improved public
access to all NOAA data through partnerships with cloud service
providers.
Question 2. Please explain your view on the role of private-sector
weather providers in relation to NOAA.
Answer. I am committed to continuing NOAA's status as the
authoritative source for environmental data used to support the public,
private, and academic sectors.
Question 3. How will you ensure that NOAA's science and data remain
accessible to the public, free from politicization or commercial
barriers?
Answer. I support public access to relevant data. If confirmed, I
will ensure that NOAA's critical mission will continue to be executed
with the utmost effectiveness and scientific rigor.
Question 4. How will you ensure NOAA programs, especially in
climate resilience and weather forecasting, are equitably serving
underserved and vulnerable communities?
Answer. NOAA has a responsibility to serve the American public. I
am committed to ensuring that NOAA lives up to that responsibility.
President Joe Biden was the certified winner of the 2020
presidential election.
Question 1. Please answer with ``yes'' or ``no''. Was President
Biden certified as the winner of the 2020 presidential election because
President Biden received more votes than President Trump in the 2020
presidential election?
Answer. Former President Joseph Biden was certified as the winner
of the 2020 presidential election and sworn in as the forty-sixth
President on January 20, 2021.
Question 2. Please answer with ``yes'' or ``no''. Did President
Trump lose the 2020 presidential election?
Answer. Former President Joseph Biden was certified as the winner
of the 2020 presidential election and sworn in as the forty-sixth
President on January 20, 2021.
Question 3. Please answer with ``yes'' or ``no''. Did President
Trump lose the popular vote in the 2020 presidential election?
Answer. Former President Joseph Biden was certified as the winner
of the 2020 presidential election and sworn in as the forty-sixth
President on January 20, 2021.
Question 4. Please answer with ``yes'' or ``no''. Did President
Trump lose the electoral college in the 2020 presidential election?
Answer. Former President Joseph Biden was certified as the winner
of the 2020 presidential election and sworn in as the forty-sixth
President on January 20, 2021.
Question 5. If you were unable or unwilling to provide a ``yes'' or
``no'' answer to any of the prior questions, please provide a detailed
explanation justifying your refusal to provide such a clear and simple
answer, including whether your refusal to provide a simple ``yes'' or
``no'' answer indicates that you believe President Trump received more
votes than President Biden in the 2020 presidential election.
Answer. See my responses to questions 1-4 above.
The 14th Amendment states. ``No person shall be a Senator or
Representative in Congress, or elector of President and Vice-President,
or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or
under any State, who, having previously taken an oath, as a member of
Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member of any
State legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any State,
to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in
insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to
the enemies thereof. But Congress may by a vote of two-thirds of each
House, remove such disability.''
Question 1. Where were you on January 6, 2021?
Answer. I was at home in Arlington, VA.
Question 2. Do you believe the events at the Capitol on January 6,
2021, were an insurrection, a rebellion against the Constitution of the
United States, or both--and if you do not believe the events that
occurred at or near the United States Capitol on that date comprised an
insurrection or rebellion against the Constitution, please provide a
detailed explanation explaining your belief.
This question is outside of the scope of my nomination to be Under
Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere.
Question 3. Why did you choose to resign, or choose not to resign,
as Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere on January 6,
2021, or in the following days?
Answer. I chose to serve until the end of my term on January 20,
2021.
Question 4. Do you support President Trump's decision to ``grant a
full, complete and unconditional pardon to all other individuals
convicted of offenses related to events that occurred at or near the
United States Capitol on January 6, 2021''?
Answer. This question is outside of the scope of my nomination to
be Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere.
Question 5. Do you believe President Trump's decision to ``grant a
full, complete and unconditional pardon to all other individuals
convicted of offenses related to events that occurred at or near the
United States Capitol on January 6, 2021'' is consistent with
supporting law enforcement?
Answer. This question is outside of the scope of my nomination to
be Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, but I have
always rejected violence against law enforcement.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. John Hickenlooper to
Neil Jacobs
The Office of Oceanic & Atmospheric Research (OAR) is the key
scientific arm of NOAA. NOAA's research and services are mission
critical functions that can save countless lives. OAR plays a key role
in supporting key research missions across the Earth System Research
Laboratories, partner universities, and Cooperative Institutes in
Boulder, CO.
Question 1. Please restate your response for the record-do you
believe the U.S. is making the necessary investments into scientific
research and operational services through NOAA? Why or why not?
Answer. If confirmed as NOAA Administrator, my focus will always be
on maximizing the impact of NOAA's diverse capabilities for the benefit
of the Nation.
Question 2. Within NOAA's purview, which fields of science do you
believe require the most urgent attention by the agency? What outcomes
do you hope to achieve or better understand in this stated field?
Answer. Earth system science is the interplay between many fields
that NOAA deals with. To better predict the future state of the oceans
or atmosphere, we need to better understand the various systems and how
they interact.
Question 3. How can the U.S. remain the world leader in scientific
research and weather forecasting over other competitors?
Answer. If confirmed, one of my top priorities is to return the
United States to the world's leader in global weather forecast
modeling. As a matter of public safety, national security. and national
pride, we will restore American technological superiority for this
vital service for the country and our military serving around the
world. This will require embracing new technologies, novel approaches,
and partnering with industry to advance global observing systems.
Question 4. What do you believe would be the consequences if the
functions of OAR are discontinued or reorganized into the National
Weather Service (NWS)? Do you believe the NWS is prepared to take on
these additional responsibilities?
Answer. If confirmed, my goal will be to accelerate the application
of cutting-edge science into real-time forecasting, improve
collaboration between researchers and forecasters, and ultimately
deliver more accurate and timely information to the public.
Question 5. Will you commit to resisting all forms of political
pressure when it comes to any decision related to NOAA's research,
services, or funding appropriated by Congress?
Answer. I will promote scientific integrity within NOAA. I have
valued, promoted and benefited from scientific integrity throughout my
career, in academia, industry and at NOAA and will continue to champion
it going forward.
Cooperative institutes maximize Federal investments by leveraging
academic infrastructure and external funding to amplify NOAA's
capabilities. NOAA's Cooperative Institutes across the nation--such as
the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences
(CIRES) and the Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere
(CIRA) in Colorado--are vital partners in advancing NOAA's mission.
These Institutes support everything from disaster forecasting to
ecosystem monitoring, while also training the next generation of
scientists and supporting regional economies. Their work represents a
highly efficient Federal investment that leverages academic
infrastructure and external funding to amplify NOAA's capabilities.
Question 6. If confirmed, how would you increase NOAA's use of
Cooperative Institutes to effectively deliver public services (e.g.,
disaster forecasting, ecosystem monitoring)?
Answer. The Cooperative Institutes should prioritize research that
has a path to operations, while at the same time considering reducing
parallel and potentially redundant projects.
Question 7. Will you commit to preserving the funding, resources,
and partnerships NOAA has formed with all 16 Cooperative Institutes
across the U.S.?
Answer. If confirmed, my priority will be to ensure research
remains focused, responsive, and tightly linked to the needs of the
public.
The United States' ability to accurately forecast extreme weather
can help communities avoid catastrophe and save lives. Natural
disasters cost the U.S. over $182 billion in damages last year alone.
Reports indicate NOAA has stopped updating the database managed by the
National Center for Environmental Information that tracks natural
disasters which cause over $1 billion in damages. This will limit the
scope of existing disaster records to only those that occurred between
1980 through 2024. Between 2020 and 2024, the frequency of natural
disasters increased to a rough average of 23 per year.
Question 8. Is our ability to forecast natural disasters an
economic and national security imperative?
Answer. Yes.
Question 9. Will you commit to restoring and updating NOAA's
database managed by the National Center for Environmental Information
that tracks natural disasters that cause over $1 billion in damages?
Answer. If confirmed, I will work to ensure that whatever data NCEI
is collecting and managing will be made publicly available.
Question 10. What do you believe is driving the increasing
frequency of major natural disasters in the U.S.?
Answer. It really depends on what sort of natural disaster is being
considered. When assessing trends of ``extreme storms'', according to
the IPCC's AR6 Chapter 11, there is low confidence in trends related to
tropical storm frequency (11.7.1.2), extratropical cyclones (11.7.2.1),
and severe convection (11.7.3). This does not necessarily imply there
is not a physical trend related to warming. There are historical data
in homogeneities and limitations in instrumentation that make building
long term datasets challenging. NOAA will continue to work to observe,
understand, and predict changes in the weather, oceans, climate, and
coasts.
The National Weather Service's Climate Prediction Center monitors
drought and forecasts the outlook for the rain and snow to come. Long-
term aridification is decreasing water availability across the West--
especially in the Colorado River Basin, in its worst drought for 1,200
years.
Question 11. Will you commit the resources necessary to maintain
NOAA's key role in understanding drought and managing water scarcity?
Answer. NOAA's role in understanding, forecasting, and
communicating drought and other water security issues is vital to the
American public. If confirmed, I will work to accelerate the
application of cutting-edge science into real-time forecasting, improve
collaboration between researchers and forecasters, and ultimately
deliver more accurate and timely information to the public.
Since January 2025, NOAA and its National Weather Service have seen
drastic reductions in force, which reduces our ability to forecast
extreme weather.
Question 12. What steps would you take to ensure that NOAA
continues to invest in workforce development-including through its
Cooperative Institutes and academic partnerships-to conduct scientific
research or support operational capabilities?
Answer. If confirmed, I will evaluate our base of expertise, to
ensure that NOAA can be a global leader in science by creating an
environment where our researchers are empowered, valued, and able to
deliver cutting-edge results for the American people. This includes
working with stakeholders in workforce development. Workforce
development will be supported through NOAA's continued investments in
foundational science and technology, aiming to train experts needed for
our modernized forecasting.
The United States' ability to accurately forecast extreme weather
can help communities avoid catastrophe and save lives. Natural
disasters cost the U.S. over $182 billion in damages last year alone.
Question 13. Will you commit to restoring and updating NOAA's
database managed by the National Center for Environmental Information
that tracks natural disasters that cause over $1 billion in damages?
Answer. If confirmed, I commit to ensuring that the data NCEI is
collecting and managing will be made publicly available and kept up to
date.
Question 14. Given recent efforts to restrict or eliminate access
to key NOAA databases, will you commit to restoring public access to
scientific data and halting any further attempts to obscure, delete, or
withhold information from the public?
Answer. I remain committed to maintaining accessibility of ocean
information in support of defense, maritime navigation, commerce,
public health and safety, weather forecasting, fisheries, marine
conservation and protected areas, and ocean and Great Lakes resource
management. In 2019, under my leadership, NOAA unveiled the Big Data
Project, now called NOAA Open Data Dissemination, that improved public
access to all NOAA data through partnerships with cloud service
providers.
Question 15. Is our ability to forecast natural disasters an
economic and national security imperative?
Answer. Yes.
NOAA's Fire Weather Testbed, based in Boulder, CO, helps increase
wildfire resilience by researching and testing the use of monitoring
technologies to become operational for land managers and first
responders.
Question 16. How will you ensure NOAA continues to play a key role
in advancing research and mitigation strategies to prevent wildfires?
Answer. My thoughts continue to be with the people of Colorado who
have suffered from past wildfires and those currently impacted in
Chaffee County and elsewhere. If confirmed, my goal is to accelerate
the application of cutting-edge science into real-time forecasting,
improve collaboration between researchers and forecasters, and
ultimately deliver more accurate and timely information to the public.
NOAA's services help regions conserve water, farmers increase crops
yields, and land managers maintain or cultivate natural resources.
Recent reports indicate the Secretary of Commerce is reviewing every
Federal award valued at more than $100,000. Scientists have warned that
awards are frozen during this review, at times simply because the term
`sustainability' appears in a program title or project description.
Question 17. In light of recent freezes to Federal grants
administered by NOAA, what does the term ``sustainability'' mean to
you? Please describe how you view NOAA's mission with respect to
sustainability.
Answer. ``Sustainability'' means resource longevity and economic
viability, primarily achieved through core scientific assessment,
monitoring, and management advice.
Question 18. How will you ensure NOAA's academic and research
partnerships are not jeopardized by administrative delays or political
interference, and that these vital collaborations remain uninterrupted
and well-supported?
Answer. I recognize the critical importance of timely and affective
contract and grant execution to NOAA's mission. Following the
Administration's Executive Orders on procurement and contracting, the
Department of Commerce has implemented an updated review process for
contracts and grants, including those over $100,000. I am committed to
working closely with the Department to ensure that this process
protects integrity, while also allowing NOAA to carry out its
responsibilities.
NOAA and many scientific researchers rely on spectrum to capture
space-based observations of the Earth through remote sensing. Various
spectrum frequencies are allocated to Federal agencies, including NOAA,
and used to monitor the on-orbit location of satellites and communicate
key datasets from space to scientists and forecasters here on Earth.
Question 19. Do you believe NOAA has access to the necessary
spectrum frequencies without interference from commercial users?
Answer. Ensuring that NOAA has continued access to frequencies for
transmitting data without interference is extremely critical.
NOAA and the National Weather Service provide essential aviation
weather data and analysis for use by the FAA, pilots, and air traffic
controllers. This information can have far-reaching impacts and can
make the difference between deciding it's safe enough to take off,
choosing to stay on the ground due to incoming weather, or making mid-
flight decisions about altitude or direction.
Question 20. How will you ensure that NOAA maintains all the
resources necessary to continue to provide this vital service that
impacts the safety of so many people every day?
Answer. If confirmed, I will immediately begin working with the
National Weather Service and NOAA Office of Human Capital Services to
ensure we have adequate staffing to effectively carry out its core,
life-saving mission and strategic priorities.
As required by the first Trump Administration, Space Policy
Directive-3 required the Department of Defense to begin transitioning
the collection and dissemination of space situational awareness (SSA)
information and space traffic coordination (STC) responsibilities to
the Department of Commerce. On a bipartisan basis, Congress has
appropriated funds to the Office of Space Commerce within NOAA to
develop the necessary capabilities, in partnership with private sector
entities, to improve SSA on-orbit to avoid collisions and increase U.S.
competitiveness in space. NOAA has continued this work by developing
the Traffic Coordination System for Space (TraCSS) in line with
Congressional intent.
Question 21. Do you support the Office of Space Commerce continuing
this work in managing TraCSS as required under SPD-3? Yes or no?
Answer. I am a strong advocate for American leadership in space and
the role of the Office of Space Commerce. I believe that robust
government-commercial partnerships are essential for space situational
awareness, aligning with Congressional intent and Space Policy
Directive 3 (SPD-3), and I will ensure that NOAA's investments in these
programs are effectively leveraged.
Question 22. Do you believe increasing amounts of space debris and
traffic from orbiting satellites in space requires more, or less, SSA?
Yes or no?
Answer. Space situational awareness will remain essential for
safety sustainability and continued growth of the U.S. commercial space
sector.
Question 23. Do you believe, in addition to SSA, the United States
could benefit from developing technologies that can remove or remediate
existing space debris? Yes or no?
Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to working with you on the
escalating challenge of debris in increasingly congested low earth
orbits and any potential technologies to remove debris.
Question 24. In your view, what are the tradeoffs and potential
consequences of a proposal to migrate TraCSS from NOAA to a private
operator?
Answer. Technologies in the commercial space sector are rapidly
evolving changing the scope of tradeoffs. If confirmed, I look forward
to working with you on finding an optimum balance of capabilities.
Question 25. If confirmed, do you believe the Office of Space
Commerce could benefit from additional appropriations, personnel, and
resources? Yes or no?
Answer. If confirmed, I will work to support the safety,
sustainably, and continued growth of the U.S. commercial space sector,
including via the Office of Space Commerce.
NOAA reviews and approves license applications for satellite
operators who wish to carry out remote sensing activities to observe
the Earth from space through authorities granted by Congress and
carried out by the Commercial Remote Sensing Regulatory Affairs (CRSRA)
division within NOAA's Office of Space Commerce. Part of CRSRA's review
process ensures licensed remote sensing activities meet U.S. objectives
and satisfy treaty obligations the U.S. committed to under the Outer
Space Treaty.
For in-space activities, NOAA reviews applications for remote
sensing licenses, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) reviews
applications for spectrum frequencies, and the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) reviews applications for launch and reentry
licenses. As innovation in space continues to rapidly advance, certain
emerging in-space activities may not neatly fall under the regulatory
purview of a single Federal agency with jurisdiction over in-space
activities. This has reinvigorated a debate around whether ``Mission
Authorization'' authorities should be granted to a Federal entity to
promote U.S. leadership in space and maintain compliance under the
Outer Space Treaty.
Question 26. Do you believe NOAA, through the Office of Space
Commerce, is equipped and prepared to carry out ``mission
authorization'' responsibilities, if provided by Congress? Yes or no?
Answer. The Office of Space Commerce is well-positioned to carry
out mission authorization responsibilities. If confirmed, I look
forward to working with you on this topic to increase business
certainty, investment prospects, and eliminate inconsistencies.
Question 27. If NOAA, through the Office of Space Commerce, is
granted Mission Authorization responsibilities, which emerging
activities do you believe this licensing framework could apply to?
Should those activities be specifically prescribed by Congress (e.g.,
operating a commercial space station, conducting active debris
remediation, etc.), or should NOAA be granted the flexibility to define
the scope of the licensing framework by a set of flexible criteria?
Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to working with Congress and
across the Administration on the scope of applicable activities.
Question 28. If NOAA, through the Office of Space Commerce, is
granted Mission Authorization responsibilities, will you commit to
transparency and close coordination during the review process with
Federal agencies and private entities?
Answer. Yes.
Question 29. As with most licensing frameworks, review processes
and predictable timelines are prescribed in statute and in regulation.
Proposals have been introduced to create a ``presumption of approval''
within a Mission Authorization framework to allow a private entity to
simply carry out an in-space activity under a Mission Authorization
framework if the Federal government does not respond to, or approve, a
license within a certain timeline. What perspectives or concerns would
you have with a ``presumption of approval'' provision if it were
considered by Congress as part of a Mission Authorization framework?
Answer. The ``presumption of approval'' with the Office of Space
Commerce's commercial remote sensing process has enabled NOAA to
conduct regulatory reform and reduce permitting timelines consistent
with President Trump's Space Policy Directive 2. This will best promote
U.S. competitiveness through an open and transparent regulatory
framework with clearly defined regulatory responsibilities and
timelines and is made possible by close engagement with the commercial
space sector.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. John Fetterman to
Neil Jacobs
Question 1. Dr. Jacobs, thank you for talking with me during the
hearing about NOAA's pending designation of parts of Lake Erie as a
marine sanctuary. I appreciated your positive response during the
hearing. Will you commit again to work with me and my office to
expeditiously finalize Lake Erie's designation as a national marine
sanctuary if confirmed?
Answer. I appreciate your questions. Lake Erie is a special place.
If confirmed, I will work with your office on Lake Erie when possible.
Question 2. I am concerned with the National Weather Service's lack
of meteorologists across the country, and most of all for the NWS
office overseeing Lake Erie not having a meteorologist. If confirmed,
you'll have to hire a significant number of staff across the country.
Will you prioritize filling the meteorologist position, and other
crucial staff positions, to support safety in the Lake Erie region?
Answer. If confirmed, I will immediately begin working with the
National Weather Service and NOAA Office of Human Capital Services to
ensure we have adequate staffing to effectively carry out its core,
life-saving mission and strategic priorities.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Maria Cantwell to
Taylor Jordan
NOAA Organic Act and Weather Act. During Secretary Lutnick's
confirmation hearing in January, he testified that he did not support
breaking up and dismantling NOAA. Unfortunately, that's exactly what
the Administration is doing via executive actions.
One way to ensure certainty about NOAA's products and services that
American families rely upon is to authorize NOAA in statute.
Question 1. Yes or No: Do you support a NOAA Organic Act? If no,
why not?
Answer. Yes, an organic act, at a high level, would provide clarity
to NOAA's mission in statute. There is also value in not being overly
prescriptive in an organic act to allow NOAA the flexibility to quickly
evolve priorities and capabilities to improve its mission.
Question 2. How would having an Organic Act protect communities
from these disasters?
Answer. NOAA's mission is to understand and predict changes in
weather, oceans, climate, and coasts, and to share that information
with decision-makers. Authorizing NOAA's mission would provide
communities with continued critical information to protect against
impacts from environmental phenomena.
Question 3. Yes or No: Do you support the Weather Act
Reauthorization? If no, why not?
Answer. I support continuing to authorize NOAA's public safety
mission and ensuring weather research is transitioned to operations. I
look forward to working with the Committee.
Tribal Consultation. With 29 tribes in the Northwest, we understand
the importance of government-to-government consultation. However,
sometimes agencies forget this and I hope you can help restore that
process.
Question 1. Yes or No: Do you support Tribal government to
government consultation?
Answer. Yes.
Question 2. Tribes are impacted by weather forecasts, sea level
rise, and climate change. Do you agree that Tribes should be consulted
on weather and resilience related programs, in addition to fisheries?
Answer. Yes.
Question 3. Will you ensure NOAA is adequately staffed so that
Tribes are able to access meaningful government-to-government
consultation and technical assistance on NOAA programs, including
grants?
Answer. If confirmed, I will ensure NOAA is appropriately staffed
to fulfill its mission.
Dismantling the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA). The Trump Administration is pursuing a FY 2026 budget proposal
that would reduce NOAA's budget by 27 percent, eliminate
Congressionally mandated programs, and transfer part of the National
Marine Fisheries Service to the Interior Department.
During his confirmation hearing, Secretary Lutnick told me that he
has, ``no interest in separating'' NOAA and that breaking up NOAA, ``is
not on my agenda.'' Yet, that is exactly what the Administration is
trying to do.
Question 1. Do you support any function, mission, or
congressionally authorized or appropriated work within NOAA, or
executed by NOAA, being moved out of the NOAA or the Department of
Commerce? If yes, please describe.
Answer. I am not at NOAA and not privy to any discussions related
to NOAA programs or offices. If confirmed, I will ensure that NOAA's
mission across line offices continues to execute with operational
excellence regardless of potential organizational changes. I will
prioritize improving NOAA's capabilities to provide benefit to the
American taxpayer.
NOAA Workforce Reductions. I have serious concerns about the
current state of NOAA's workforce. Since January 2025, NOAA has lost a
combined 27,000 years of experience. The resulting brain drain has
impacted the entire agency. Overall, NOAA now has more than 3,000
vacant positions across the agency.
On February 19, 2025, I sent a letter to Secretary Lutnick urging
him to protect NOAA's critical workforce from the Trump
Administration's reduction-in-force initiatives and hiring freeze,
which would jeopardize the safety of the American public. Despite this
warning, about 600 probationary employees were fired across various
NOAA line offices, and over 1,000 employees have left through voluntary
separation programs. These staffing shortages are disrupting NOAA's
core functions. For instance, weather balloon launches have been
suspended, and multiple Weather Forecast Offices no longer able to
staff overnight shifts.
Question 1. Yes or No: Do you believe NOAA can operate at its peak
effectiveness when it has over 3,000 positions vacant?
Answer. I am currently not at NOAA and can not speak to specific
program operations and staffing at this time. If confirmed, I will work
to ensure NOAA continues to deliver and provide critical environmental
information. I am confident that NOAA's workforce remains dedicated to
scientific excellence and mission success.
Question 2. Yes or No: Do you think that the agency's ability to
carry out its mission effectively has been impacted by the loss of
about 2,000 officials since January?
Answer. I am currently not at NOAA and can not speak to specific
program operations and staffing at this time. As we have seen with
recent National Weather Service forecasts during high-impact weather
events, NOAA staff continue to provide life-saving information to
decision-makers. I understand that NOAA has been granted exemption
authority to staff the National Weather Service.
Question 3. What specific steps would you take to protect NOAA's
workforce and ensure staff capacity to execute NOAA's core missions?
Answer. If confirmed, I will continue to support NOAA's mission and
ensure that it is adequately staffed to carry out its mission.
Question 4. What specific steps would you take to ensure the
National Weather Service has sufficient staff for all Weather Forecast
Offices and to provide Americans with accurate and timely weather
warnings?
Answer. I understand that NOAA has been granted authority to staff
the National Weather Service. If confirmed, I will work with the
National Weather Service and human capital services to ensure NOAA
appropriately fills vacancies under the exceptions.
Question 5. Executive Order 14170 implements a Federal hiring
freeze, but it allows for exclusions for positions related to public
safety. The National Weather Service has been given a limited exemption
to rehire 126 positions. Would you advocate for an exemption to the
hiring freeze under for any other NOAA positions? If so, which
positions?
Answer. I am currently not at NOAA and can not speak to specific
program operations and personnel at this time. If confirmed, I will
continue to ensure that NOAA is adequately staffed to meet its mission
and will evaluate how best to fulfill our critical mission areas across
all offices.
Question 6. What is your plan for rebuilding the base of expertise
that has been lost, ensuring that our science remains cutting edge, and
retaining experts that are otherwise likely to leave for work in other
nations?
Answer. If confirmed, I will continue to support NOAA's mission of
understanding and predicting changes in weather, oceans, climate, and
coasts, and providing that information to decision-makers. I will
ensure that NOAA remains a global leader in environmental science and
delivers results for the American people by leveraging investments in
modernization as well as talent development and retention efforts.
NOAA Budget. The FY 2026 Presidential Budget $4.5B for NOAA, which
would be a 27 percent decrease in funding from the enacted FY25
continuing resolution.
Question 1. Yes or No: Do you support the FY 2026 Presidential
Budget for NOAA?
Answer. Yes. I support the President's budget request for NOAA.
Question 2. How would you maintain NOAA's leadership in ocean and
atmospheric science under the proposed budget?
Answer. NOAA's FY26 Presidential Budget Request streamlines agency
operations, prioritizes its public safety mission, and maintains NOAA's
leadership in ocean and atmospheric sciences.
NOAA Research. The FY 2026 Presidential Budget proposes eliminating
the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) as a line office.
The budget would terminate all funding for NOAA's Research Laboratories
and Cooperative Institutes, Regional Climate Data and Information,
Climate Competitive Research, National Sea Grant College Program, and
the National Oceanographic Partnership Program.
Question 1. Yes or no, do you support eliminating OAR? If yes,
explain why.
Answer. I support the President's budget request for NOAA. The
budget request streamlines agency operations and prioritizes its public
safety mission, while providing for efficiencies within NOAA research
by more closely aligning operational and research components to foster
collaboration and drive innovation. This realignment will strengthen
delivery of actionable science to NOAA's operational end-users and
remain responsive to the needs of the public.
Question 2. Do you believe NOAA/NWS forecasts improvements will
flatline or degrade if this critical research is eliminated?
Answer. No.
Question 3. How do you define climate?
Answer. As defined for environmental phenomena in the Weather
Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017, ``seasonal'' is
defined as the time range between 3 months and 2 years, and
``subseasonal'' is defined as the time range between 2 weeks and 3
months. Discussions also indicated ``weather'' as the time between 0
days and 2 weeks, and ``climate'' as the time range beyond 2 years. I
continue to believe these definitions are appropriate for patterns and
trends in environmental phenomena.
Question 4. What do you believe is NOAA's role in climate research?
Answer. NOAA's mission is to understand and predict changes in
weather, oceans, climate, and coasts, and to provide this information.
NOAA accomplishes this goal for climate research through long-term
observations, modelling, and analysis.
Question 5. Do you support fully funding NOAA's Cooperative
Institutes?
Answer. I support the President's budget request to streamline
agency operations, prioritize its public safety mission, and find
efficiencies.
Question 6. Do you support fully funding the NOAA Research
Laboratories?
Answer. I support the President's budget request to streamline
agency operations, prioritize its public safety mission, and find
efficiencies.
Question 7. The National Severe Storm Laboratory's experimental
Warn-on-Forecast System is working to improve lead times for tornado
and severe weather warnings. Do you support continuing the Warn-on-
Forecast System and similar weather research efforts?
Answer. While I am not currently at NOAA and do not have specific
program visibility, I will continue to support high priority weather
research programs. As NOAA operational end-users identify successful
research to improve the mission of public safety, I support
transitioning research programs into operations to keep Americans out
of harm's way.
Question 8. How will you ensure the safety of the American public
if OAR programs that aim to prepare communities to face extreme weather
events are dismantled?
Answer. I will continue to support NOAA's mission of providing
environmental data and ensuring that NOAA is adequately staffed to meet
this mission. My understanding is that programs that support community
preparedness for extreme weather are being realigned to ensure they
support operational end-users.
Climate Adaptation Partnerships. There are 13 NOAA Climate
Adaptation Partnership teams around the country. And yet, the grant to
only one, the Northwest Climate Resilience Collaborative (NCRC) based
at the University of Washington, remains terminated by the
Administration.
The NCRC team addresses unique needs of the region, including those
related to extreme heat that led to more than 400 deaths in Washington
due to the ``heat dome'' that descended on the region during the summer
of 2021. NCRC also helps vulnerable populations to mitigate against the
negative health effects of wildfire smoke and extreme heat.
Question 1. Could you provide us with the rationale for why this
grant is the only one that remains terminated?
Answer. I am not currently at NOAA and do not have visibility into
specific programs or grant terminations.
Question 2. Another team has had its grant restored. What steps can
the NCRC take to have its grant restored?
Answer. I am not currently at NOAA and do not have visibility into
specific programs or grant terminations.
Scientific Integrity. NOAA defines scientific integrity as ``the
adherence to professional practices, ethical behavior, and the
principles of honesty and objectivity when conducting, managing, using
the results of, and communicating about science and scientific
activities. Inclusivity, transparency, and protection from
inappropriate influence are hallmarks of scientific integrity.''
Question 1. Do you commit to uphold and abide by NOAA's scientific
integrity policy if confirmed?
Answer. I am committed to promoting scientific integrity at NOAA.
Question 2. What specific lessons have you learned about the
importance of abiding by NOAA's scientific integrity policies from your
experience at NOAA during the first Trump Administration?
Answer. From my previous experience at the agency, NOAA scientists
and forecasters develop expert environmental information and
communicate this information to decision-makers, including at the local
level. Their relationships with local officials and emergency managers
provide critical linkages to ensure the public receives NOAA's
information in a timely and accurate manner.
Question 3. What specific steps will you take to ensure that NOAA's
forecasts cannot be compromised and career scientists are empowered to
publish and communicate their findings without political interference
in the future?
Answer. I have and will continue to rely on NOAA's workforce to
provide environmental information and will let science drive decision-
making.
Contract Review. Currently, all NOAA contracts and grants greater
than $100k require Secretary Lutnick's personal approval. There are
thousands of contracts and grants that meet that threshold. As you can
imagine, this has resulted in a significant bottleneck, causing
critical contracts to terminate, lapse, or be signed mere hours before
they expire.
Question 1. Do you support this practice?
Answer. I support Secretary Lutnick conducting thorough reviews of
Department of Commerce contracts.
Question 2. What will you do to ensure NOAA contracts are reviewed
in a timely and efficient manner without inadvertent lapses?
Answer. I will work closely with NOAA and the Department of
Commerce to assist in timely review of contracts.
Question 3. Will you commit to alerting Congress of the lapse of
cancellation of any monetarily or operationally significant contracts
in a timely manner?
Answer. I will work through the appropriate Congressional Affairs
office and the Department of Commerce to ensure information is
transmitted in a timely manner.
NOAA Authorizing Legislation. NOAA currently lacks an overarching
law authorizing the agency's missions and operations.
Question 1. Do you support a NOAA Organic Act?
Answer. Yes, an organic act, at a high level, would provide clarity
to NOAA's mission in statute. There is also value in not being overly
prescriptive in an organic act to allow NOAA the flexibility to quickly
evolve priorities and capabilities to improve its mission.
Question 2. Do you support the Weather Act Reauthorization?
Answer. I support continuing to authorize NOAA's public safety
mission and ensuring weather research is transitioned to operations. I
look forward to working with the Committee.
Geostationary Extended Observations (GeoXO) Satellite System. As
the GOES-R satellites end their operational lifetime, the GeoXO
satellites will replace them. Currently NOAA plans to launch six
satellites with instruments including a lightning mapper (LMX), Sounder
(GXS), Atmospheric Composition (ACX), Imager (GXI), and Ocean Color
(OCX). The GeoXO Sounder will improve regional forecast accuracy by 40
percent and is tailored to improve forecasts of rapidly changing
convective events like the severe storms that caused catastrophic
flooding in Texas.
Question 1. Do you support NOAA's current plan for six satellites?
Answer. I am not currently at NOAA and do not know the status of
current instrument contracts and their life-cycle procurement and
management. If confirmed, I look forward to reviewing NOAA's plan for
the GeoXO constellation.
Question 2. What can NOAA do to maintain the launch timeline and
avoid a gap in coverage?
Answer. To maintain launch timelines and avoid data gaps, NOAA
should ensure it works with its Federal partners and stakeholders on
procurement schedules, system integration, and constellation
management. NOAA should also, where appropriate and feasible, consider
partnerships with other Federal agencies and the private sector for
unique orbits and data that support public safety and operational
readiness.
Question 3. The plan laid out for the GeoXO program during the
first Trump Administration also included economically beneficial ocean
color, atmospheric composition, and lightening mapper observations.
These instruments help us monitor air quality impacts from pollution
and smoke, predict the intensity of hurricanes and respond to
wildfires, and track ocean pollution, water quality, and hazards like
harmful algal blooms that can impact fisheries and water supplies. Do
you still support including instruments for these observations on GeoXO
satellites?
Answer. I am not currently at NOAA and do not know the status of
current instrument contracts and their life-cycle procurement and
management. If confirmed, I look forward to reviewing NOAA's plan for
the GeoXO constellation. I will continue to support and assist in
managing NOAA's observing networks that improve NOAA's mission and
support public safety.
Question 4. Do you support cancelling existing contracts that would
incur large penalties?
Answer. I am not currently at NOAA and do not have insight into
individual instrument contracting terms, processes, or schedule. If
confirmed, I look forward to working with Secretary Lutnick and the
NOAA Administrator in the review of contracts.
Extreme Weather. According to NOAA, since 1980 we've had an average
of nine extreme weather events annually that cost over $1 billion each.
However, in the last five years, that has spiked to 23 events per year,
and last year it was 27 events. Climate change is driving more intense
hurricanes, more frequent severe atmospheric rivers, rain events, and
is doubling the number of wildfires. NOAA plays a principal role in
ensuring the American public is informed and prepared to respond to
extreme weather events.
Question 1. As extreme weather events across the country become
more frequent, what do you believe is NOAA's role in coordinating
resilience and response efforts?
Answer. NOAA's mission is to understand and predict changes in
weather, oceans, climate, and coasts, and to provide this information.
NOAA provides data, tools, and forecasting to Federal partners and the
public.
Question 2. How will you improve NOAA's cooperation with local
emergency managers during extreme weather events?
Answer. In supporting NOAA's mission to provide environmental
information to decision-makers, I will ensure that the National Weather
Service continues to embed with local emergency managers to convey
timely and accurate environmental information.
Question 3. NOAA/NWS radars are nearing end of life. What plan
would you enact as NOAA Administrator to ensure these crucial
instruments are upgraded and replaced with little to no interruption of
data?
Answer. If confirmed, I will work to ensure NOAA radar systems
continue to meet mission requirements and that advanced planning is
underway to eventually replace these systems in the future using the
best available science and innovation.
Commercial Data and Services. Project 2025 proposes that ``NWS
should fully commercialize its forecasting operations'' and encourages
increased use of private sector data and services. As a government
agency funded by taxpayer money, NOAA is a trusted source of free,
reliable data.
Question 1. What do you see as NOAA's core government functions
that cannot be privatized or commercialized, especially at NWS and
NESDIS?
Answer. NOAA's public safety mission and its weather forecasting
are core government functions that Americans across the country rely on
every day. NOAA has historically utilized data and expertise from non-
government sources to help it create and improve its own numerical
weather prediction and modelling, this is most evident in NWS and
NESDIS in programs such as the Mesonet Program and NESDIS' acquisition
of satellites, as well as commercial data programs. NOAA relies heavily
on non-governmental partners to help build its observing networks and
infrastructure. The products and services derived from these observing
systems and infrastructure are the core government functions that are
provided to every American every day.
Question 2. How will you ensure that NOAA avoids ``vendor lock''
when incorporating more commercial data and services?
Answer. NOAA takes commercial marketplace offerings into
consideration when reviewing potential new sources of data. Increased
use of industry engagement, such as industry days, general requests for
information, and advanced planning can help ensure NOAA has an adequate
understanding of commercial capabilities, and where these capabilities
align NOAA mission needs.
Question 3. Currently, NOAA data is openly available to the public,
but if NOAA buys data from private companies using taxpayer money, how
will you ensure data will be made publicly available?
Answer. NOAA's products and services are made available to the
public. NOAA has historically acquired data from non-traditional or
non-governmental partners, often with open redistribution licenses.
There have been instances of small redistribution restrictions, however
NOAA and government end-users, as well as researchers, have access to
these datasets.
Question 4. Do you agree that NOAA satellites and associated ground
and data systems are core public infrastructure and a national security
asset?
Answer. NOAA's current and planned satellites and ground systems in
use are taxpayer funded public infrastructure and national security
assets.
NWS Tornado Forecasting Warning Services. A DOC Inspector General
Audit was published on July 8, 2025, evaluating NOAA and NWS's tornado
forecasting and warning services.
Question 1. Do you commit to implementing the recommendations made
by the DOC IG audit?
Answer. I will work with NOAA staff to find a path forward that
meets the intended outcome of this recommendation and protects lives
and property.
Climate Change.
Question 1. Yes or No: Do you agree with the scientific consensus
that human activity is the primary cause of climate change?
Answer. NOAA's mission is to understand and predict changes in
weather, oceans, climate, and coasts. NOAA will continue to accomplish
this goal through long-term observations, cutting-edge modeling, and
scientific analysis.
Question 2. Yes or No: Do you agree with the scientific consensus
that climate change is driving more intense and more frequent severe
weather events?
Answer. Scientific consensus, according to the Intergovernmental
Panel on Climate Change's latest Assessment Report, for intense and
frequent severe weather events is not uniform across each type and
phenomena, with some phenomena such as tropical cyclones, tornadoes,
hail, and floods receiving low confidence in observed trends, and
others like extratropical storms and extreme winds receiving medium
confidence. NOAA will continue to work to understand and predict
changes in the weather, oceans, climate, and coasts.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Tammy Duckworth to
Taylor Jordan
Question 1. Can you commit to fully recusing yourself from any NOAA
policy or procurement decisions involving your former clients,
including Spire Global, AccuWeather and Lynker?
Answer. I have worked with the career staff of the Office of
Government Ethics to ensure that I am complying with applicable laws
and conflicts of interest. I will continue to follow the law and work
with the Office of Government Ethics, Department of Commerce lawyers,
and NOAA lawyers to ensure I remain compliant with all laws.
Question 2. What is your view on the role of the Federal Government
in providing core weather and climate services, and how will you
protect NOAA's public-service mission from undue commercial influence?
Answer. I support NOAA's mission to understand and predict changes
in weather, oceans, climate, and coasts, and to provide that
information to decision-makers. I will ensure that NOAA continues to
provide its public-safety mission to the public.
Question 3. Please answer with ``yes'' or ``no''. Was President
Biden certified as the winner of the 2020 presidential election because
President Biden received more votes than President Trump in the 2020
presidential election?
Answer. Former President Joseph Biden was certified as the winner
of the 2020 presidential election and sworn in as the forty-sixth
President on January 20, 2021.
Question 4. Please answer with ``yes'' or ``no''. Did President
Trump lose the 2020 presidential election?
Answer. Former President Joseph Biden was certified as the winner
of the 2020 presidential election and sworn in as the forty-sixth
President on January 20, 2021.
Question 5. Please answer with ``yes'' or ``no''. Did President
Trump lose the popular vote in the 2020 presidential election?
Answer. Former President Joseph Biden was certified as the winner
of the 2020 presidential election and sworn in as the forty-sixth
President on January 20, 2021.
Question 6. Please answer with ``yes'' or ``no''. Did President
Trump lose the electoral college in the 2020 presidential election?
Answer. Former President Joseph Biden was certified as the winner
of the 2020 presidential election and sworn in as the forty-sixth
President on January 20, 2021.
Question 7. If you were unable or unwilling to provide a ``yes'' or
``no'' answer to any of the prior questions, please provide a detailed
explanation justifying your refusal to provide such a clear and simple
answer, including whether your refusal to provide a simple ``yes'' or
``no'' answer indicates that you believe President Trump received more
votes than President Biden in the 2020 presidential election.
Answer. See my responses to questions 1-4 above.
The 14th Amendment states. ``No person shall be a Senator or
Representative in Congress, or elector of President and Vice-President,
or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or
under any State, who, having previously taken an oath, as a member of
Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member of any
State legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any State,
to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in
insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to
the enemies thereof. But Congress may by a vote of two-thirds of each
House, remove such disability.''
Question 1. Where were you on January 6, 2021?
Answer. I was at my home in Washington, DC.
Question 2. Do you believe the events at the Capitol on January 6,
2021, were an insurrection, a rebellion against the Constitution of the
United States, or both--and if you do not believe the events that
occurred at or near the United States Capitol on that date comprised an
insurrection or rebellion against the Constitution, please provide a
detailed explanation explaining your belief.
Answer. This question is outside of the scope of my nomination to
be an Assistant Secretary within the Department of Commerce.
Question 3. Why did you choose to resign, or choose not to resign,
as a NOAA Senior Policy Advisor on January 6, 2021, or in the following
days?
Answer. Prior to January 6, 2021, I had left government employment
to seek other career opportunities.
Question 4. Do you support President Trump's decision to ``grant a
full, complete and unconditional pardon to all other individuals
convicted of offenses related to events that occurred at or near the
United States Capitol on January 6, 2021''?
Answer. This question is outside of the scope of my nomination to
be an Assistant Secretary within the Department of Commerce. If
confirmed, I look forward to working with the President and this
Committee.
Question 5. Do you believe President Trump's decision to ``grant a
full, complete and unconditional pardon to all other individuals
convicted of offenses related to events that occurred at or near the
United States Capitol on January 6, 2021'' is consistent with
supporting law enforcement?
Answer. The pardon power belongs to the President. I have always
rejected violence against law enforcement.
______
Response to Written Question Submitted by Hon. John Fetterman to
Taylor Jordan
Question. Mr. Jordan, you will also work in NOAA operations. Will
you commit to work with me and my office to expeditiously finalize Lake
Erie's designation as a national marine sanctuary in your role with
NOAA if confirmed?
Answer. While the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Environmental
Observation and Prediction does not directly work on national marine
sanctuary issues, I understand this issue is important to you and will
work with the NOAA Administrator and staff to be responsive to your
request.
______
Response to Written Question Submitted by Hon. Dan Sullivan to
Harry Kumar
On January 17, 2025, the National Telecommunications and
Information Administration's announcement of over $113 million in
Federal broadband grants from the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program
(TBCP). These awards are part of the Infrastructure Investments and
Jobs Act, and aim to equip Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and Native
American entities with the resources needed to bolster high-speed
Internet deployment, workforce development, telehealth, and other
programs across the country. Please provide a status update on the
following awards:
Old Harbor Native Corporation: $64.7 million to deliver
fiber optic connectivity to the communities of Old Harbor and
Akhiok in rural Alaska. These areas have long struggled with
access to reliable and affordable high-speed internet--a gap
that continues to widen the digital divide and hinder access to
education, healthcare, economic opportunity, and emergency
response systems.
Kawerak, Inc.: $48.5 million to deliver fiber optic
connectivity to St. Lawrence Island from Nome for the
communities of Savoonga and Gambell. For decades, these
communities have faced significant barriers due to inadequate
communication infrastructure, which has hindered education,
healthcare, economic development, and emergency response
systems.
Answer. On January 16, 2025, NTIA announced the recommendation of
both awards for approval under the Tribal Broadband Connectivity
Program (TBCP) Notice of Funding 2. Upon the change of Administration,
the Department conducted a comprehensive and thorough review of all
grant programs, including TBCP. The awards are now pending final review
and clearance by Department of Commerce leadership.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Maria Cantwell to
Harry Kumar
Department of Commerce Responsiveness to Member and Committee
Requests. Mr. Kumar, I am deeply frustrated by the Department's lack of
responses to letters and other oversight requests my colleagues and I
have sent this year. This includes a series of letters we have sent to
various officials at the Department seeking information about the
Minority Business Development Agency, which the Administration has
tried to illegally dismantle.
I'm looking for clear commitments to assure me this is going to
change if you are confirmed.
Question 1. Yes or No: Do you agree to provide fulsome and
meaningful responses to all the letters my colleagues and I have sent
the Department this year regarding MBDA?
Answer. If confirmed, I will work with my colleagues at the
Department to provide fulsome and meaningful responses to Congressional
inquiries. With respect to MBDA, my understanding is that there is
broad, active ongoing litigation that has limited the Department's
ability to provide more detailed responses.
Question 2. Yes or No: Do you agree it is unacceptable to ignore
letters and requests from Democratic Members on this Committee?
Answer. If confirmed, I will work with my colleagues at the
Department to provide timely responses to members of this committee.
Question 3. Yes or No: Do you believe the mere existence of
litigation regarding a bureau or issue in the Department is adequate
grounds to refuse to answer any questions from Congress regarding that
bureau or issue? If yes, explain your position in full.
Answer. I believe that communication with Congress and this
committee is a key function of the position. Thus, if confirmed, I will
make sure that I consult with our Office of General Counsel on what is
permissible to be shared when litigation is ongoing.
Question 4. Yes or No: Will you ensure that any accommodation the
Department makes for majority staff, such as briefings or document
productions, is likewise made available to minority staff?
Answer. If confirmed, I will work to ensure all committee staff are
provided relevant information in a timely manner.
Question 5. Yes or No: Will you ensure the Department meaningfully
responds to routine requests for briefings and technical assistance
from my staff?
Answer. If confirmed, I will work to ensure timely responses are a
top priority, including for briefings and technical assistance.
CHIPS and Science Act and Tech Hubs. There are several Department
of Commerce programs established by the bipartisan CHIPS and Science
Act that are essential for rebuilding U.S. leadership in technology,
strengthening economic and national security, and supporting regional
workforce and supply chains. These include CHIPS manufacturing
incentives, CHIPS R&D initiatives, and Economic Development
Administration regional technology and innovation hubs or ``Tech
Hubs.''
Based on the elimination of the EDA in the proposed budget and the
Department's decision in May to rescind $210 million in funding for six
Tech Hubs, I have serious concerns about the Administration's
commitment to these programs and to U.S. innovation leadership. This
decision has introduced significant uncertainty and is halting the
progress that Tech Hubs were making toward advancing innovation,
workforce development, and economic growth in their respective regions.
Greater transparency and regular communication with Congress are
essential to restoring confidence in the CHIPS and Science
implementation process.
Question 1. Yes or No: Do you commit to providing Congress with
timely updates and early notification regarding decisions related to
Tech Hubs, and to coordinating with Congress on plans and policies to
maintain our technology and manufacturing competitiveness?
Answer. If confirmed, I will work with the relevant Department
personnel to ensure the Department provides timely updates related to
Tech Hubs and will work with Congress to ensure the U.S. remains the
global leader in technological and manufacturing competitiveness.
Question 2. Yes or No: If the ``Investment Accelerator'' announced
by Executive Order is expected to become a key focus of managing CHIPS
and Science implementation, will you also commit to offering bipartisan
briefings to this Committee on progress in establishing the office and
its roles and responsibilities before making a public announcement?
Answer. If confirmed, I will ensure bipartisan briefings are
offered on CHIPS and Science Act implementation and the Investment
Accelerator Office.
______
Response to Written Question Submitted by Hon. Amy Klobuchar to
Harry Kumar
The National Rural Export Center in Fargo, North Dakota assists
rural small businesses with accessing international markets. By
offering advanced data analytics, market navigation tools, and risk
mitigation strategies, it helps level the playing field for small
businesses to better compete globally.
If confirmed, will you commit to working with me and my staff to
support the Rural Export Center to help rural businesses succeed in
international markets?
Answer. If confirmed, I commit to working with you and your staff
to ensure rural and small businesses are able to continue to succeed in
international markets.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Tammy Duckworth to
Harry Kumar
The Department of Commerce's Manufacturing Extension Partnership
Program is a crucial program to help strengthen the U.S. industrial
base by providing a number of services to small and medium-sized
manufacturers. There is one center in each state and in Illinois, the
Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) leads a variety of
initiatives to grow manufacturing, including supporting the development
of quantum technologies in our State. IMEC has created and retained
more than 7,000 jobs and assisted nearly 3,000 companies.
Question 1. Mr. Kumar, are you aware that there is bipartisan
support for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program?
Answer. Yes.
Question 2. Mr. Kumar, do you commit to notifying Congress about
any planned changes or adjustments to the Manufacturing Extension
Partnership Program?
Answer. If confirmed, I commit to providing timely updates to the
Committee.
As the main conduit between Congress and the Department of
Commerce, it is crucial that you take seriously your responsibility to
communicate with Members of Congress, particularly members of the
Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation.
Question 1. Mr. Kumar, do you commit to responding in a timely
matter with substantive information relevant to a given issue, when I
send you an official letter requesting a response?
Answer. If confirmed, I commit to responding in a timely manner
when sent an official letter with the appropriate level of detail.
Question 2. Mr. Kumar, do you commit to making yourself and your
team available to Congressional staff via phone and e-mail when we make
inquiries of the Department, regardless of political affiliation?
Answer. If confirmed, I will make myself and the legislative
affairs team available to congressional staff regardless of political
affiliation.
Question 3. Mr. Kumar, who will be the point person from your team
that my office should reach out to for any inquiries? How many members
of your team will be dedicated to working with Senate staff?
Answer. If confirmed, your team can reach out to myself or Will
Turner, the current Acting Assistant Secretary for Legislative Affairs.
The entire legislative affairs team will devote themselves to working
with both chambers.
Question 4. Mr. Kumar, will you commit to supplying responsive data
and documents when Congressional staff make requests to the Department?
Answer. If confirmed, I commit to working with my colleagues in the
Department to provide the appropriate responsive data and documents.
Question 1. Please answer with ``yes'' or ``no''. Was President
Biden certified as the winner of the 2020 presidential election because
President Biden received more votes than President Trump in the 2020
presidential election?
Answer. Former President Joseph Biden was certified as the winner
of the 2020 presidential election and sworn in as the forty-sixth
President on January 20, 2021.
Question 2. Please answer with ``yes'' or ``no''. Did President
Trump lose the 2020 presidential election?
Answer. Former President Joseph Biden was certified as the winner
of the 2020 presidential election and sworn in as the forty-sixth
President on January 20, 2021.
Question 3. Please answer with ``yes'' or ``no''. Did President
Trump lose the popular vote in the 2020 presidential election?
Answer. Former President Joseph Biden was certified as the winner
of the 2020 presidential election and sworn in as the forty-sixth
President on January 20, 2021.
Question 4. Please answer with ``yes'' or ``no''. Did President
Trump lose the electoral college in the 2020 presidential election?
Answer. Former President Joseph Biden was certified as the winner
of the 2020 presidential election and sworn in as the forty-sixth
President on January 20, 2021.
Question 5. If you were unable or unwilling to provide a ``yes'' or
``no'' answer to any of the prior questions, please provide a detailed
explanation justifying your refusal to provide such a clear and simple
answer, including whether your refusal to provide a simple ``yes'' or
``no'' answer indicates that you believe President Trump received more
votes than President Biden in the 2020 presidential election.
Answer. See my responses to questions 1-4 above.
The 14th Amendment states. ``No person shall be a Senator or
Representative in Congress, or elector of President and Vice-President,
or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or
under any State, who, having previously taken an oath, as a member of
Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member of any
State legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any State,
to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in
insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to
the enemies thereof. But Congress may by a vote of two-thirds of each
House, remove such disability.''
Question 1. Where were you on January 6, 2021?
Answer. I was in my apartment and was in no way involved with the
events at the Capitol on January 6, 2021.
Question 2. Do you believe the events at the Capitol on January 6,
2021, were an insurrection, a rebellion against the Constitution of the
United States, or both--and if you do not believe the events that
occurred at or near the United States Capitol on that date comprised an
insurrection or rebellion against the Constitution, please provide a
detailed explanation explaining your belief.
Answer. This question is outside of the scope of my nomination to
be an Assistant Secretary within the Department of Commerce.
Question 3. Why did you choose to resign, or choose not to resign,
from the White House on January 6, 2021, or in the following days?
Answer. I was not--and have never been--a White House employee. I
did not resign on January 6, 2021 because I was committed to fulfilling
my term with the Department of Commerce.
Question 4. Do you support President Trump's decision to ``grant a
full, complete and unconditional pardon to all other individuals
convicted of offenses related to events that occurred at or near the
United States Capitol on January 6, 2021''?
Answer. This question is outside of the scope of my nomination to
be an Assistant Secretary within the Department of Commerce. If
confirmed, I look forward to working with the President and this
Committee.
Question 5. Do you believe President Trump's decision to ``grant a
full, complete and unconditional pardon to all other individuals
convicted of offenses related to events that occurred at or near the
United States Capitol on January 6, 2021'' is consistent with
supporting law enforcement?
Answer. The pardon power belongs to the President, but I have
always rejected violence against law enforcement.
[all]