Ted Cruz Cuts Weather Forecasting Funding in Trump’s Spending Bill: What It Means for You

Ted Cruz is in the spotlight again. Recently, he cut funding for weather forecasting, then went on vacation to Greece while Texas faced deadly flooding. Critics argue that the funding cuts may have worsened the disaster.

Just a day after the floods along the Guadalupe River claimed over 100 lives, including children at a camp, Cruz was visiting the Parthenon in Athens. The Greece trip was first reported by the Daily Beast, and Cruz later returned to Texas, promising a response from lawmakers.

He acknowledged that something went wrong with emergency warnings, saying, “There’s no doubt we are going to take a serious look at what could be done differently.” He emphasized the need for better evacuation systems to protect vulnerable children.

After the floods, the National Weather Service came under fire for its rainfall estimates. Although late-night alerts were sent out, they are now being reviewed to see if local emergency services were coordinated effectively. The economic damage from the floods is estimated at around $20 billion.

Before his holiday, Cruz made cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), eliminating funds that supported advancements in weather forecasting and climate research. He removed $150 million aimed at improving warning systems and another $50 million for studying how climate change impacts weather and ecosystems.

Environmental groups worry this is part of a larger trend of reducing support for federal agencies that predict and respond to disasters. Notably, over 600 staff members have left the National Weather Service, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is also losing workers.

Cruz has frequently sided with the oil industry, and critics, including Cassidy DiPaola from Fossil Free Media, point out that his actions have made disasters like the Texas flood more deadly. DiPaola stated, “Cruz is protecting big oil instead of the people he’s supposed to represent. It’s disgraceful.”

Cruz claimed that concerns over funding cuts are “partisan finger-pointing.” He noted that warnings were issued hours before the flood escalated. However, some experts argue that expanded resources and staffing are crucial for future safety.

Reports show that the Trump administration sought to eliminate NOAA’s weather and climate research capabilities altogether. This would halt vital studies that help us understand and prepare for weather events intensified by climate change.

Andrew Dessler, a climate scientist from Texas A&M University, highlighted the link between climate change and extreme weather. He explained, “Every weather event now carries some influence from climate change. The only question is how much.”

With the ongoing rise in global temperatures, we face an urgent need to invest in weather forecasting and climate research. As natural disasters become more frequent, ensuring accurate forecasting could save lives.



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