Hearings to examine the nominations of Neil Jacobs, of North Carolina, to be Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere, and Taylor Jordan, of the District of Columbia, and Harry Kumar, of New York, both to be an Assistant Secretary, all of the Department of Commerce.
Meeting•Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation•Jul 9, 2025 · 10:00 AM
Summary
Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a meeting on Jul 9, 2025 at 10:00 AM in Russell Senate Office Building, Room 253.
Record
The meeting has its transcript on the record.
Transcript
The transcript runs to 6,764 lines and 360,084 characters, as the Government Publishing Office printed it.
1[Senate Hearing 119-288]2[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]34 S. Hrg. 119-28856 NOMINATIONS TO THE UNITED STATES7 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE8=======================================================================910 HEARING1112 BEFORE THE1314 COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE,15 SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION16 UNITED STATES SENATE1718 ONE HUNDRED NINETEENTH CONGRESS1920 FIRST SESSION2122 __________2324 JULY 9, 20252526 __________2728 Printed for the use of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and29 Transportation3031[GRAPHIC NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]3233 Available online: http://www.govinfo.gov34 __________3536 U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE3762-766 PDF WASHINGTON : 202638-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------3940 SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION4142 ONE HUNDRED NINETEENTH CONGRESS4344 FIRST SESSION4546 TED CRUZ, Texas, Chairman47JOHN THUNE, South Dakota MARIA CANTWELL, Washington,48ROGER WICKER, Mississippi Ranking49DEB FISCHER, Nebraska AMY KLOBUCHAR, Minnesota50JERRY MORAN, Kansas BRIAN SCHATZ, Hawaii51DAN SULLIVAN, Alaska EDWARD MARKEY, Massachusetts52MARSHA BLACKBURN, Tennessee GARY PETERS, Michigan53TODD YOUNG, Indiana TAMMY BALDWIN, Wisconsin54TED BUDD, North Carolina TAMMY DUCKWORTH, Illinois55ERIC SCHMITT, Missouri JACKY ROSEN, Nevada56JOHN CURTIS, Utah BEN RAY LUJAN, New Mexico57BERNIE MORENO, Ohio JOHN HICKENLOOPER, Colorado58TIM SHEEHY, Montana JOHN FETTERMAN, Pennsylvania59SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO, West Virginia ANDY KIM, New Jersey60CYNTHIA LUMMIS, Wyoming LISA BLUNT ROCHESTER, Delaware6162 Brad Grantz, Republican Staff Director63 Nicole Christus, Republican Deputy Staff Director64 Lila Harper Helms, Staff Director65 Melissa Porter, Deputy Staff Director66 C O N T E N T S6768 ----------69 Page70Hearing held on July 9, 2025..................................... 171Statement of Senator Cruz........................................ 172 Letter dated February 4, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz from Jeff73 Angers, President, Center for Sportfishing Policy.......... 7774 Letter dated April 22, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria75 Cantwell from Jimi Grande, Senior Vice President--Federal76 and Political Affairs, National Association of Mutual77 Insurance Companies (NAMIC)................................ 7878 Letter dated July 8, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz from Rep. Brian79 Babin, D.D.S., Chairman, House of Representatives,80 Committee on Science, Space, and Technology................ 8081 Letter dated July 8, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria82 Cantwell from Frank Nutter, President, Reinsurance83 Association of America (RAA)............................... 8184Statement of Senator Cantwell.................................... 385Statement of Senator Moran....................................... 4686Statement of Senator Kim......................................... 4787Statement of Senator Blackburn................................... 4988Statement of Senator Blunt Rochester............................. 5189Statement of Senator Capito...................................... 5390Statement of Senator Lujan....................................... 5591Statement of Senator Lummis...................................... 5792Statement of Senator Klobuchar................................... 5993Statement of Senator Young....................................... 6194Statement of Senator Hickenlooper................................ 6295Statement of Senator Fetterman................................... 6496Statement of Senator Markey...................................... 6597Statement of Senator Baldwin..................................... 6798Statement of Senator Sullivan.................................... 7099100 Witnesses101102Neil Jacobs, Nominee to be Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans103 and Atmosphere (NOAA Administrator)............................ 6104 Prepared statement........................................... 7105 Biographical information..................................... 8106Taylor Jordan, Nominee to be an Assistant Secretary of Commerce107 for Environmental Observation and Prediction, NOAA............. 24108 Prepared statement........................................... 25109 Biographical information..................................... 26110Harry Kumar, Nominee to be an Assistant Secretary of Commerce for111 Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs...................... 34112 Prepared statement........................................... 35113 Biographical information..................................... 36114115 Appendix116117Response to written questions submitted to Neil Jacobs by:118 Hon. Roger Wicker............................................ 83119 Hon. Maria Cantwell.......................................... 84120 Hon. Edward Markey........................................... 92121 Hon. Tammy Duckworth......................................... 94122 Hon. John Hickenlooper....................................... 97123 Hon. John Fetterman.......................................... 101124Response to written questions submitted to Taylor Jordan by:125 Hon. Maria Cantwell.......................................... 101126 Hon. Tammy Duckworth......................................... 107127 Hon. John Fetterman.......................................... 108128Response to written questions submitted to Harry Kumar by:129 Hon. Dan Sullivan............................................ 108130 Hon. Maria Cantwell.......................................... 108131 Hon. Amy Klobuchar........................................... 109132 Hon. Tammy Duckworth......................................... 110133134 NOMINATIONS TO THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE135136 ----------137138 WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 2025139140 U.S. Senate,141 Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,142 Washington, DC.143 The Committee met, pursuant to notice, at 10 a.m., in room144SR-253, Russell Senate Office Building, Hon. Ted Cruz, Chairman145of the Committee, presiding.146 Present: Senators Cruz [presiding], Moran, Sullivan,147Blackburn, Young, Moreno, Capito, Lummis, Cantwell, Klobuchar,148Schatz, Markey, Baldwin, Lujan, Hickenlooper, Fetterman, Kim,149and Blunt Rochester.150151 OPENING STATEMENT OF HON. TED CRUZ,152 U.S. SENATOR FROM TEXAS153154 The Chairman. Good morning. The Senate Committee on155Commerce, Science, and Transportation will come to order. I156want to take a moment at the outset to address the tragedy in157my home state over the holiday weekend. In the early hours of158July 4, Central Texas was hit with extraordinary flash159flooding.160 More than 100 people have died, and the death toll is161expected to keep growing. Over 160 remain missing right now,162and the search effort is ongoing as we speak. I am the father163of two daughters. When I think of those little girls that were164lost at Camp Mystic, it is every parent's worst nightmare.165 I was at Camp Mystic on Monday. The devastation in that166100-year-old, beautiful girls' camp that has helped raise a167generation of girls and women in Texas, the devastation was the168most horrific thing I have ever seen. The Guadalupe River is169normally a quiet and peaceful river. I have been swimming and170floating in that river dozens of times. There is a reason there171are 40 camps right there in Kerr County because it is172absolutely beautiful.173 My youngest daughter, Catherine, goes to camp just a few174miles up the river from Camp Mystic. My wife, Heidi, was there175the week before picking Catherine up. We had been celebrating176because Catherine had won war canoe where the girls race in177canoes against other girls in the camp. And Catherine was a178good athlete and then she had won war canoe. I looked at that179same peaceful river and 1.8 trillion gallons of water dumped180upon it in the early hours of July 4, and it rose some 30 feet.181 Camp Mystic--the river is hundreds of yards away from the182cabins. There is a lot of space there. And yet you looked at183the cabins, and in the cabins, there was 8 foot of water in184every girl's cabin. You could see the water line. It washed out185every single thing in the cabin. There is one cabin, a cabin186where the youngest girls were in, called Bumble Inn. The water187blew out the windows in that cabin and swept all of the girls188and the counselors out. Every girl in that cabin is either189confirmed dead or missing.190 Outside that cabin are 17 single white crosses with the191names of the girls written on it. The 17th cross, the name192written on it is Dick Eastland, who for 50 years had been the193Camp Director at Camp Mystic. And Dick likewise lost his life194in those early morning hours in his Suburban driving through195high water trying to rescue his girls. Texas, our heart is196broken. And we saw extraordinary courage. We saw search and197rescue.198 We saw heroes. I met with a young Coast Guardsman on Monday199who is credited with 165 rescues. He landed at Camp Mystic.200They put him on the ground in a very difficult helicopter201landing, and he was at a field at the highest point on the202campgrounds helping rescue little girls.203 For three and a half hours, they helicoptered out 165204girls, about 15 per helicopter. And he sat there, and held205their hands, and stayed on the ground with them. This guy--I206know a lot of my colleagues have gotten to meet Coast Guard207swimmers who I have analogized they are kind of like Navy SEALs208and California surfers mixed together.209 Like this young man, he described himself in the press, he210said, ``I am just a dude,'' which is something a Coast Guard211swimmer would say. But they are completely fearless. And when I212saw him, he had just hung up the phone from talking with the213mom and dad, and with their daughter, and they were crying.214They said, you saved our daughter's life, and when she was215there terrified out of her mind, you held her hand and told her216it would be OK.217 So the weather can have enormous consequences. Our thoughts218today are also with the people of Ruidoso, New Mexico, who219faced flash flooding just yesterday evening. The power of a220flash flood, the power of a tornado, the powerful of a221hurricane, the power of wildfire to devastate and destroy.222 Flying in a Coast Guard helicopter up the Guadalupe River,223it was astonishing the devastation that water can produce. Cars224were flung around like matchbox cars. And you know, when a car225hits a tree, the car loses. The car crumples. But I will tell226you, when water hits trees, the trees lose. And all up and down227the Guadalupe River, you saw thousands of trees just run over228like a bulldozer had knocked them down. That was the force of229the 30-foot wall of water that just--everything in its path,230obliterated.231 Now, when tragedy strikes, we ask ourselves what could have232been done differently, and that is a question that we need to233ask. In any crisis, there is an order that things play out.234Stage number one is search and rescue, and that has got to be235the first priority, saving lives, getting lives out of harm's236way.237 Stage number two is recovery and rebuilding. And that is a238process that takes months or even years as you go to the homes239that are destroyed, you go the buildings that are destroy, and240you look to rebuild. And we will do that. Texas will rebuild.241We are strong. But there is also a process of engaging in a242retrospective and saying, what is the exact timeline of what243transpired and what could we have done better.244 Look, every one of us looking at the flooding in Texas, if245we could step into a time machine and go back to 2 or 3 in the246morning on July 4, we would rush into those little girls'247cabins and get them the hell out of here. And so one question--248Dr. Jacobs, you and I had a very good conversation in my office249yesterday. I want to thank each of the nominees here for your250expertise.251 But one question we will certainly be asking in Texas, and252we ought to be asking across the country, is how can we improve253the speed and rate of response that when an extreme weather254warning goes out--in Texas, National Weather Service put out255one just after 1 a.m. and another just after 4 a.m., but the256problem is most people are asleep at 1 a.m. and 4 a.m., so257those little girls never heard the warning.258 And so, there are discussions about all sorts of steps we259can take, including setting up sirens and warning systems along260the Guadalupe River Valley, which I think makes an awful lot of261sense. But we ought to be asking what lessons can be learned262and what can be done more effectively to protect human life.263 Now this hearing, we have three very qualified nominees. We264have Dr. Neil Jacobs, who is the nominee for Under Secretary of265Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, NOAA Administrator. We have266Mr. Taylor Jordan, the nominee for Assistant Secretary of267Commerce for Environmental Observation and Prediction.268 And we have Mr. Harry Kumar, the nominee for Assistant269Secretariat of Commerce for Legislative and Intergovernmental270Affairs. I think each of them are highly qualified. I271appreciate your willingness to serve, and I appreciate you272commitment to protecting public safety. There is no mission273that is more important, particularly concerning weather related274events, than early detection, knowing what is happening, and275improving the ability to notify people in harm's way and get276them out of the way.277 We know we are going to have other disasters going forward.278There will be more floods, there will be more hurricanes, there279will be more tornadoes. But every step we can take to remove280someone from the path of that devastation is a step we need to281take, and I appreciate each of your dedication to doing that.282Ranking Member Cantwell.283284 STATEMENT OF HON. MARIA CANTWELL,285 U.S. SENATOR FROM WASHINGTON286287 Senator Cantwell. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And as you288mentioned, this hearing comes at an incredible time of human289loss from the floods in Texas, and now we know in New Mexico290and North Carolina.291 But I want to offer my condolences to the families who have292lost loved ones in this unimaginable tragedy, and to the people293of Texas. We grieve along with you as a nation. Our thoughts294and prayers do go to the families, to ask for strength for295them, to deal with this incredible loss.296 And as you said, there is a time and a place to figure out297what transpired. You know, for us in the Northwest, where298natural disasters, whether it is fire, flooding, earthquakes,299or the big one that is someday going to hit, this issue of300first responders and communication is really important to us301too.302 So, I too want to thank the National Guard for their303incredible work and response to this incident. I want to thank304the Coast Guard men and women. Pretty sure we train those305surfmen in--out on the Olympic, you know, Long Beach area of306our state and we are very proud of what they do to get those307men and woman ready to help do the search and rescue. But308clearly, first responders did everything that they were asked309to do in response to this flood.310 But as you said, Mr. Chairman, there will be others. So I311agree that we should figure out what we can do in the future to312improve our communication system, to improve the science behind313the information, and to figure out how we best prepare for the314future. Today, we are considering Dr. Jacobs to be the NOAA315Administrator, Mr. Taylor to be the Assistant Secretary of316Commerce for Environmental Observation and Protection, and Mr.317Kumar to be Assistant Secretary.318 NOAA does play an incredible, important role in preserving319life and property, and obviously good data behind your weather320reporting for sustainable fisheries to get food on the table,321to support our domestic product. You play a critical role in322safety and economic competitiveness.323 And so, obviously, I am going to ask today about the cuts324to NOAA and how, as a science agency, you preserve the core325mission of an agency when we are cutting so much of the science326and the science budget. The budget eliminates the Office of327Oceanic and Atmospheric Research R&D arm, which is critical to328improving lead times and accuracy of information.329 NOAA's R&D is at the cutting edge of science and projects330like Warn On Forecast, which will give communities more notice331from tornadoes and other severe weather events by using332prediction models instead of waiting to detect weather service333that is already occurring. The budget proposal also eliminates334NOAA's integrated ocean observing system program, the Buoy335system.336 This is a very bipartisan program that helps us337particularly in the Northwest in detecting the potential of338tsunamis, hurricane forecast, fisheries, marine transportation.339And even though the Administration put out an Executive Order340calling for growing American fisheries, I believe that we are341doing the opposite if we are not investing in the kind of stock342assessments that we need to deal with fisheries management. So343while the Administration seeks to slash NOAA's budget, it has344also taken a sledgehammer to its workforce.345 Since the start of the year, NOAA's workforce has been346gutted by 2,000 employees. The agency currently has over 3,000347vacant positions, most of which cannot be filled due to the348hiring freeze. For example, Pendleton, Oregon, the forecast349office serving Central Washington, no longer has 24/7 local350coverage because of their 44 percent vacancy rate. And in my351opinion, that is unacceptable in the height of fire season.352 The hiring freeze also resulted in 160 vacancies at NOAA's353research ships, resulting in 30 percent of those ships being354left at the docks this summer instead of charting navigation in355the Arctic, serving key weather buoys and conducting stock356assessments. So for Washington, two pollock stock assessment357surveys and one salmon survey have already been canceled.358 Now, what this means is that people can't fish. If we don't359have the science, they can't fish. We don't know--we are360putting billions of dollars of economic activity at risk. So361the West Coast region of NOAA fisheries has lost so many staff362that we no longer have key experts to negotiate salmon or other363treaties, and entire permitting teams are gone, and local364communities are begging for answers on this.365 So I expect to hear how we are going to defend the science366mission without the people and without the science to help367deliver those essential services. I want to know what our real368plan is that we are going to continue to protect our369environment.370 Mr. Jordan, if confirmed, you will be responsible for371advising the Administrator on weather, water, climate, and372related matters, and I hope that you will tell us today how you373also plan to counter cuts to the weather program, and where you374stand on the R&D investment that we need to improve forecasts375such as supercomputing forecasts.376 Climate change is driving more intense hurricanes, more377frequent severe atmospheric rivers, rain events, and is378doubling the number of wildfires. According to NOAA, since3791980, we have had on average nine extreme weather events380annually that have cost us over $1 billion each.381 So from 1980, nine extreme events. But in the last 5 years,382that has spiked to 23 events per year, and last year, it was 27383events. So we can see that we are having more devastating384impact and the cost to all of us. So we are in a state of385emergency that is getting worse, and we need to come up with386better solutions. So we know how to do this. In 2015, as387firefighters were fighting a devastating wildfire in Okanagan388County and wind patterns changed, resulting in the loss of389firefighters.390 We implemented new tools to help with the training of a new391system that would help us get better information and get that392information faster. I should also note that today the OIG for393the Department of Commerce Office of Inspector General released394a report on our National Weather Service Tornado Forecasting395System and the things that they believe the office has gotten396wrong on--in forecasting--the shortcomings of that system, and397six plans for improvement. And so, we will probably ask you398about that as well.399 So finally, Mr. Kumar, you would be leading the Legislative400Affairs Department. Simply put, the Department's critical401engagement with members of this committee is not happening at402the level we need it to happen. So, I expect you will help403fundamentally change that, if confirmed, and make sure that as404members ask for information and data from the agency, that they405will receive it in a timely manner.406 So thank you, Mr. Chairman. And again, our hearts are with407you, your colleague, Senator Cornyn, the many people of Texas,408and we will work with you in whatever fashion we can to help409move forward and to--and help Texans in any way.410 And obviously our colleagues here on the Committee from New411Mexico, and our colleagues in the larger body from North412Carolina. But thank you so much.413 The Chairman. Well, thank you. I appreciate that. And I414want to say thank you to all my colleagues who reached out on415both sides of the aisle. I think collectively, hearts are416breaking across the country on what played out over the 4th of417July weekend. Dr. Jacobs, you are recognized for your opening418Statement.419420 STATEMENT OF NEIL JACOBS, NOMINEE TO BE421422 UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR OCEANS423424 AND ATMOSPHERE (NOAA ADMINISTRATOR)425426 Mr. Jacobs. Chairman Cruz, Ranking Member Cantwell, and427members of the Committee, thank you for the opportunity to428appear before you today. I am honored to be nominated for the429position of Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and430Atmospheres. I would also like to thank President Trump and431Secretary Lutnick for their trust and confidence in me with432this nomination.433 If I have the honor of being confirmed, I look forward to434working with all of you on the important work performed by435NOAA. My heart goes out to those who lost loved ones in the436devastating Texas floods. As a parent with two kids in summer437camp right now, I can't imagine what these grieving families438are going through.439 NOAA has an important, unique mission that spans the sea440floor to the sun's surface. Not only do they conduct cutting441edge coastal and ocean research, but they also provide life-442saving forecast predictions in a wide range of environmental443phenomena. From 2018 to 2021, I served as Assistant Secretary444for Environmental Observation and Prediction, and later as445Acting Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmospheres.446 During that time, I gained significant experience and447understanding of NOAA's operations, and I developed a deep448appreciation for the workforce. From issuing accurate forecasts449to complex weather events, managing fish stocks, mapping our450coasts, launching satellites into space, their dedication and451professionalism is unparalleled.452 I have a very detailed understanding of what is involved in453managing NOAA, from the policy, budget, and personnel side to454the needs and opportunities for innovative solutions to better455meet mission requirements. I previously led the agency's effort456to support scientific community through a focused improvement457to its external engagement strategy. This culminated in the458Earth Prediction and Invasion Center, which brings together459scientific expertise from Federal partners, world class460researchers, and the private sector.461 I also understand that to be successful, NOAA must embrace462new partnerships. In 2019, under my leadership, NOAA unveiled463the Big Data Project, now called NOAA Open Data Dissemination,464where the public has greater access to all NOAA data through465partnerships with cloud service providers.466 Running a large agency with a public service mandate of467protecting life and property during a pandemic was not468something anyone could have been prepared to do. Under my469leadership, NOAA rapidly changed and adapted operational470protocols and accelerated onboarding of new technology like471virtual environments for daily meetings, autonomous vehicles472for acoustic surveys.473 Despite the pandemic, NOAA successfully met its mission474requirements, including saving countless lives during the 2020475hurricane season, which had 30 named storms, 11 U.S. landfalls,476shattering a record that had stood for over 100 years. If477confirmed, one of my top priorities is to return the United478States to the world's during global weather forecast modeling479capability.480 As a matter of public safety, national security, and481national pride, we will restore American technological482superiority with this vital service for the country and our483military serving around the world. This will inquire embracing484new technologies, novel approaches, and partnerships with485industry to advance global observing systems. Reducing the486seafood trade deficit is also a top priority.487 The U.S. has an estimated $20 billion trade deficit in488seafood. Much of it is due to unfair trade practices and import489of aquaculture seafood, which is often mislabeled, and the lack490of domestic processing capacity. In addition to promoting the491production, sale, and trade of U.S. fishery and aquaculture492products, embracing new technologies and science-based493approaches to stock assessments will benefit both U.S.494commercial fishing industry and the recreational fishing495community.496 Leveling the playing field will also require cracking down497on illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. While498advancing numerical weather prediction has dominated my career,499the ocean is where I am most at home, whether I am fishing,500diving, or surfing. I began my career as a marine electronics501technician and have spent the last 30 years guiding502recreational saltwater anglers.503 I have a unique appreciation for the maritime industry and504extensive knowledge of coastal marine fisheries conservation505spanning the Carolinas to the Florida Keys. If confirmed, it506would be a tremendous honor to lead such a distinguished507organization. I can assure the Committee that I will do my best508to ensure this team of scientists, engineers, forecasters, and509uniformed officers have the resources and leadership needed to510fulfill their mission of science, service, and stewardship.511 I would like to thank my family and friends for their512support and encouragement along the way. I would also like to513thank the amazing people of NOAA for their dedication and514service, and for sharing their knowledge and passion with me515during my previous tenure at NOAA.516 Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member Cantwell, and members of the517Committee, thank you again for the opportunity to be here.518 [The prepared statement and biographical information of Mr.519Jacobs follow:]520521 Prepared Statement of Neil Jacobs, Nominee for Under Secretary of522 Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere523 Chairman Cruz, Ranking Member Cantwell, and Members of the524Committee, thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today. I525am honored to be nominated for the position of Under Secretary of526Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere. I would also like to thank527President Trump and Secretary Lutnick for their trust and confidence in528me with this nomination.529 If I have the honor of being confirmed, I look forward to working530with all of you on the important work being performed by NOAA that531benefits our country. NOAA has a unique mission that spans the sea532floor to the Sun's surface. Not only does the agency conduct cutting-533edge ocean and coastal research, but NOAA also provides life-saving534forecasts and predictions of a wide range of environmental phenomena.535 From 2018 to 2021, I served as Assistant Secretary for536Environmental Observation and Prediction, and later as acting Under537Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere. During that time, I gained538significant experience and understanding of NOAA's operations, and I539developed a deep appreciation of its workforce. From issuing accurate540forecasts for complex weather events, managing fish stocks, mapping our541coasts, and launching satellites into space, their dedication and542professionalism is unparalleled.543 I have a very detailed understanding of what is involved in544managing NOAA from the policy, budget, and personnel side to needs and545opportunities for innovative solutions to better meet the mission546requirements. I previously led the agency's effort to support the547scientific community through focused improvements to its external548engagement strategy. This culminated in the Earth Prediction Innovation549Center, which is bringing together scientific expertise from Federal550partners, world-class researchers, and the private sector.551 I also understand that to be successful, NOAA must embrace new552partnerships. In 2019, under my leadership, NOAA unveiled the Big Data553Project, now called NOAA Open Data Dissemination, where the public has554greater access to all NOAA data through partnerships with cloud service555providers.556 Running a large agency with a public service mandate of protecting557life and property during a pandemic was not something anyone could have558been fully prepared to do. Under my leadership, NOAA rapidly changed559and adapted operational protocols and accelerated onboarding of new560technologies like virtual environments for daily meetings, and561autonomous vehicles for acoustic fish surveys. Despite the pandemic,562NOAA successfully met its mission requirements, including saving563countless lives during the 2020 hurricane season, which had 30 named564storms and 11 U.S. landfalls, shattering a record that had stood for565over 100 years.566 If confirmed, one of my top priorities is to return the United567States to the world's leader in global weather forecast modeling568capability. As a matter of public safety, national security, and569national pride, we will restore American technological superiority for570this vital service for the country and our military serving around the571world. This will require embracing new technologies, novel approaches,572and partnering with industry to advance global observing systems.573 Reducing the seafood trade deficit is also a top priority. The U.S.574has an estimated $20 billion trade imbalance in seafood, much of it due575to unfair trade practices, the import of aquaculture seafood, which is576often mislabeled, and lack of domestic processing capacity. In addition577to promoting the production, sale, and trade of U.S. fishery and578aquaculture products, embracing new technologies and science-based579approaches to stock assessments will benefit both the U.S. commercial580fishing industry and recreational fishing community. Leveling the581playing field will also require cracking down on illegal, unreported,582and unregulated fishing.583 While advancing numerical weather prediction has dominated my584career, the ocean is where I am most at home whether I'm fishing,585diving, or surfing. I began my career as a marine electronics586technician and have spent the last 30 years guiding recreational587saltwater anglers. I have a unique appreciation for the maritime588industry and an extensive knowledge of coastal marine fisheries589conservation spanning the Carolinas to the Florida Keys.590 If confirmed, it would be a tremendous honor to lead such a591distinguished organization. I can assure the Committee that I will do592my best to ensure this team of scientists, engineers, forecasters and593uniformed officers have the resources and leadership needed to fulfill594their mission of science, service, and stewardship.595 I would like to thank my family and friends for their support and596encouragement along the way. I would also like to thank all the amazing597people of NOAA for their dedication and service, and for sharing their598knowledge and passion with me during my previous tenure at NOAA. Mr.599Chairman, Ranking Member Cantwell, and Members of the Committee, thank600you again for the opportunity to be here and I look forward to601answering any questions you may have.602 ______603604 a. biographical information605 1. Name (Include any former names or nicknames used): Neil Andrew606Jacobs Jr.607 2. Position to which nominated: Under Secreta1y of Commerce for608Oceans and Atmosphere.609 3. Date of Nomination: Febma1y 3, 2025.610 4. Address (List current place of residence and office addresses):611612 Residence: Information not released to the public.613 Office: Information not provided.614615 5. Date and Place of Birth: December 12, 1973; Colorado Springs,616CO.617 6. Provide the name, position, and place of employment for your618spouse (if married) or domestic partner, and the names and ages of your619children (including stepchildren and children by a previous marriage).620621 Jennifer Modliszewski, Lineberger Bioinformatics Core, UNC622623 7. List all college and graduate schools attended, whether or not624you were granted a degree by the institution. Provide the name of the625institution, the dates attended, the degree received, and the date of626the degree.627628 Ph.D. Atmospheric Science (Numerical modeling). 2005, North629 Carolina State University630631 M.S. Atmospheric Science (Air-sea interaction), 2000, North632 Carolina State University633634 B.S. Physics and Math, 1996, University of South Carolina635636 8. List all post-undergraduate employment, including the job title,637name of employer, and inclusive dates of employment, and highlight all638management-level jobs held and any non-managerial jobs that relate to639the position for which you are nominated.640641 2022-2025, Chief Science Advisor, Unified Forecast System,642 University Corporation for Atmospheric Research643644 2022-2025, Senior Executive Advisor, Booz Allen Hamilton 2021-645 2025, Managing Director, AxioScientia, LLC646647 2018-2021, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Environmental648 Observation and Prediction, Department of Commerce, NOAA649650 2013-2018, Chief Atmospheric Scientist, Panasonic Avionics651 Corporation 2004-2013, Director of Research and Business652 Development, AirDat, LLC653654 9. Attach a copy of your resume.655 10. List any advisory, consultative, honorary, or other part-time656service or positions with Federal, State, or local governments, other657than those listed above after 18 years of age.658 I have never had a position in Federal, State, or local government659other than the one listed above.660 11. List all positions held as an officer, director, trustee,661partner, proprietor, agent, representative, or consultant of any662corporation, company, firm, partnership, or other business, enterprise,663educational, or other institution.664665 American Meteorological Society (AMS) Visiting Senior Policy666 Fellow667668 American Meteorological Society (AMS) Forecast Improvement669 Group (Chair 2015-2017)670671 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Continuous Lower672 Emissions, Energy, and Noise673674 World Meteorological Organization Expert Team on Aircraft-Based675 Observing Systems676677 12. List all memberships you have had after 18 years of age or678currently hold with any civic, social, charitable, educational,679political, professional, fraternal, benevolent or religiously680affiliated organization, private club, or other membership organization681(You do not have to list your religious affiliation or membership in a682religious house of worship or institution). Include dates of membership683and any positions you have held with any organization. Please note684whether any such club or organization restricts membership on the basis685of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, or disability.686687 American Meteorological Society (Fellow)688689 National Weather Association690691 World Meteorological Organization; Expert Team on Aircraft-692 Based Observing Systems693694 American Geophysical Union695696 Gamma Beta Phi, National Honor Society697698 Geological Society of America699700 National Forensics League701702 Phi Beta Kappa, Honor Society703704 Pi Mu Epsilon, National Math Honor Society705706 Sigma Pi Sigma, National Physics Honor Society (President:707 1993-1996, USC Chapter)708709 Sigma Xi, Honor Society710711 Durham YMCA712713 Greensboro Velo Club714715 Rotary International716717 Trout Unlimited718719 13. Have you ever been a candidate for and/or held a public office720(elected, non-elected, or appointed)? If so, indicate whether any721campaign has any outstanding debt, the amount, and whether you are722personally liable for that debt. No.723 14. List all memberships and offices held with and services724rendered to, whether compensated or not, any political party or725election committee within the past ten years. If you have held a paid726position or served in a formal or official advisory position (whether727compensated or not) in a political campaign within the past ten years,728identify the particulars of the campaign, including the candidate, year729of the campaign, and your title and responsibilities. None.730 15. Itemize all political contributions to any individual, campaign731organization, political party, political action committee, or similar732entity of $200 or more for the past ten years.733734 Trump Victory, 2/27/20--$520735 Trump Victory, 9/29/20--$500736737 16. List all scholarships, fellowships, honorary degrees, honorary738society memberships, military medals, and any other special recognition739for outstanding service or achievements.740741 Fellow, American Meteorological Society742743 American Meteorological Society's Kenneth C. Spengler Award744 recipient (2023)745746 Pi Mu Epsilon, National Math Honor Society747748 Sigma Pi Sigma, National Physics Honor Society (President:749 1993-1996, USC Chapter)750751 Gamma Beta Phi. National Honor Society752753 National Forensics League Scholarship754755 Phi Beta Kappa, Honor Society756757 Sigma Xi, Honor Society758759 17. List all books, articles, columns, letters to the editor,760Internet blog postings, or other publications you have authored,761individually or with others. Include a link to each publication when762possible. If a link is not available, provide a digital copy of the763publication when available.764765 Jacobs, N., J. Churchill, L. J. Pietrafesa, S. Bao, and P. T.766 Gayes, 2023: Ocean-Atmosphere Interactions during the Passage767 of an Extratropical Cyclone in the Vicinity of Cape Hatteras,768 North Carolina, Intl. J. of Geosciences, 14, 855-876.769770 Brotzge, J., D. Berchoff, D. Carlis, F. Carr, R. Carr, J.771 Gerth, B. Gross, T. Hamill, S. E. Haupt, N. Jacobs,A. McGovern,772 D. Stensrud, G. Szatkowski, I. Szunyogh, and X. Wang, 2023:773 Challenges and Opportunities in Numerical Weather Prediction.774 Bull. Amer. Meteor. Soc., 104, 698-705.775776 Jacobs, N. A., 2021: Open Innovation and the Case for Community777 Model Development. Bull. Amer. Meteor. Soc., 102(10), 2002-778 2022.779780 Droegemeier, K., and N. Jacobs, 2021: Restructuring of U.S.781 Federal Coordination to Advance Meteorological Services. Bull.782 Amer. Meteor. Soc., 103(2), 230-247.783784 Gao, F., Z. Liu, J. Ma, N. Jacobs, P. Childs, and H. Wang,785 2019: Variational Bias Correction of TAMDAR Temperature786 Observations in WRF Data Assimilation System. Mon. Wea. Rev.,787 147, 1927-1945.788789 Gao, F., X.-Y. Huang, N. Jacobs, and H. Wang, 2018:790 Assimilation of Wind Speed and Direction Observations: Results791 from real observation experiments. Tellus A, 67,1.792793 Zhang, X., H. Wang, X.-Y. Huang, F. Gao, and N. Jacobs, 2015:794 Using Adjoint-Based Forecast Sensitivity Method to Evaluate795 TAMDAR Data Impacts on Regional Forecasts. Advances in796 Meteorology, Vol. 2015, Article ID 427616, 13.797798 Jacobs, N., D. Mulally, A. Anderson, J. Braid, P. Childs, A.799 Huffman, E. Wilson, and F. Gao, 2015: Recent Advancements in800 the TAMDAR Sensor Network Expansion, (IOAS-AOLS), AMS.801802 Jacobs, N.., F. Gao, P. Childs, X. Y. Huang, and H. Wang, 2015:803 Optimization of In-situ Aircraft Observations for Various804 Assimilation Techniques, (IOAS-AOLS), AMS.805806 Liu, Y., M. Xu, L. Pan, Y. Liu, N. Jacobs, and P. Childs, 2015:807 Implementation of a CONUS RTFDDA system with radar data808 assimilation for convection-resolvable analysis and prediction,809 (IOAS-AOLS), AMS.810811 Gao, F., P. P. Childs, X.-Y. Huang, N. A. Jacobs, and J. Z.812 Min, 2014: A Relocation-based Initialization Scheme to Improve813 Track-forecasting of Tropical Cyclones. Adv. Atmos. Sci.,814 31(1), 27-36.815816 Jacobs, N. A., D. J. Mulally, and A. K. Anderson, 2014:817 Correction of Flux Valve-Based Heading for Improvement of818 Aircraft Wind Observations. J. Atmos. Oceanic Technol., 31,819 1733-1747.820821 Jacobs, N. A., and J. E. Rex, 2013: Benefits and Utility of822 Tropospheric Airborne Meteorological Data Reporting, Air823 Traffic Control Quarterly, January, First Quarter, 2013.824825 Huang, X.-Y., F. Gao, N. A. Jacobs, and H. Wang, 2013:826 Assimilation of wind speed and direction observations: a new827 formulation and results from idealized experiments. Tellus A,828 65, 19936.829830 Wyszogrodzki, A. A., Y. Liu, N. A. Jacobs, P. Childs, Y. Zhang,831 G. Roux, and T. T. Warner, 2013: Analysis of the surface832 temperature and wind forecast bias of the NCAR-AirDat833 operational CONUS 4km RTFDDA forecasting system, Meteorol.834 Atmos. Phys., 121, 3-4.835836 Jacobs, N. A., P. Childs, M. Croke, A. Huffman, J. Nelson, J.837 T. Braid, Y. L. Liu, and X. Y. Huang, 2013: An update on the838 TAMDAR global network expansion, Special Symposium on Advancing839 Weather and Climate Forecasts: Innovative Techniques and840 Applications, Austin, TX.841842 Nelson, J., J. T. Braid, A. K. Anderson, N. A. Jacobs, P.843 Childs, M. Croke, and A. Huffman, 2013: Alaska TAMDAR and the844 RTFDDA WRF QC System, ARAM, AMS, Austin, TX.845846 Huffman, A., P. Childs, M. Croke, N. A. Jacobs, and Y. L. Liu,847 2013: Verification of the NCAR-AirDat operational RT-FDDA-WRF848 for the 2011 and 2012 spring convective seasons, IOAS, AMS,849 Austin, TX.850851 Gao, F., N. A. Jacobs, X. Y. Huang, and P. Childs, 2013: Direct852 assimilation of wind speed and direction for the WRF model,853 Special Symposium on Advancing Weather and Climate Forecasts:854 Innovative Techniques and Applications, AMS, Austin, TX.855856 Richardson, H., N. A. Jacobs, P. Childs, P. Marinello, and X.857 Y. Huang, 2013: UAS observations and their impact on NWP during858 TUFT, ARAM, AMS, Austin, TX.859860 Gao, F., P. Childs, X. Y. Huang, and N. A. Jacobs, 2013: A new861 method for vortex relocation within balanced flow field, NWP,862 Austin, TX.863864 Gao, F., X. Zhang, N. Jacobs, X.-Y. Huang, Xin Zhang, P.865 Childs, 2012. Estimation of TAMDAR Observational Error and866 Assimilation Experiments. Wea. Forecasting, 27, 4, 856-877.867868 Zhang, Y. Y. Liu, N. A. Jacobs, P. Childs, T. Nipen, T. T.869 Warner, L. D. Monache, G. Roux, A. Wyszogrodzki, W. Y. Y.870 Cheng, W. Yu, and R.-S. Sheu, 2012: Evaluation of the impact of871 assimilating the TAMDAR data on WRF-based RTFDDA simulations872 and the RTFDDA performance on predicting warm-season873 precipitation over the CONUS, Wea. Forecasting, under revision.874875 Gao, F., X.-Y. Huang, N. Jacobs, 2012: The Assimilation of Wind876 Speed and Direction Based on WRFDA 3D-Var System, New Orleans,877 LA.878879 Zhang, Xiaoyan, X.-Y. Huang, T. Auligne, Xin Zhang, F. Gao, N.880 Jacobs, P. Childs. 2012. Evaluation of TAMDAR Data Impact on881 Forecast Error with WRFDA-FSO System, AMS, New Orleans, LA.882883 Gao, F., Xiaoyan Zhang, X.-Y. Huang, Xin Zhang, N. Jacobs, P.884 Childs, 2011: Preliminary Results of Directly Assimilating Wind885 Speed and Direction Based on WRFDA 3D-Var System. 12th WRF886 Users' Workshop, Boulder, Colorado, 20-24 June 2011.887888 Liu, Y., T. Warner, S. Swerdlin, T. Betancourt, J. Knievel, B.889 Mahoney, J. Pace, D. Rostkier-Edelstein, N.A. Jacobs, P.890 Childs, and K. Parks, 2011: NCAR ensemble RTFDDA: real-time891 operational forecasting applications and new data assimilation892 developments. 24th Conference on Weather and Forecasting (WAF-893 NWP), AMS, Seattle, WA.894895 Huffman, A., N. A. Jacobs, M. Croke, P. Childs, X. Y. Huang,896 and Y. Liu, 2011: Verification and Sensitivity of the NCAR-897 AirDat Operational Forecasting Systems to TAMDAR Observations.898 15th Symposium (IOAS-AOLS), AMS, Seattle, WA.899900 Jacobs, N. A., F. Gao, P. Childs, X. Zhang, X. Y. Huang, X.901 Zhang, M. Croke, and Y. Liu, 2011: Optimization of In-situ902 Aircraft Observations for Various Assimilation Techniques. 15th903 Symposium (IOAS-AOLS), AMS, Seattle, WA.904905 Jacobs, N. A., M. Croke, P. Childs, Y. Liu, X. Y. Huang, and R.906 DeJong, 2011: The Utility of TAMDAR in the NextGen-Oriented907 CLEEN Program. Second Aviation, Range and Aerospace Meteorology908 Special Symposium on Weather-Air Traffic Management (ARAM),909 AMS, Seattle, WA.910911 Croke, M., N. A. Jacobs, D. J. Mulally, A. K. Anderson, J. T.912 Braid, P. Childs, A. Huffman, Y. Liu, and X. Y. Huang, 2011:913 Recent Advancements in the TAMDAR Sensor Network Expansion.914 15th Symposium on Integrated Observing and Assimilation Systems915 for the Atmosphere, Oceans and Land Surface (IOAS-AOLS), AMS,916 Seattle, WA.917918 Jacobs, N. A., P. Childs, M. Croke, Y. Liu, and X. Y. Huang,919 2010: An Update on the TAMDAR Sensor Network Deployment, (IOAS-920 AOLS), GA.921922 Jacobs, N. A., M. Croke, P. Childs, and Y. Liu, 2010: The923 Potential Utility of TAMDAR Data in Air Quality Forecasting,924 (IOAS), Atlanta, GA.925926 Childs, P., N. A. Jacobs, M. Croke, Y. Liu, W. Wu, G. Roux, and927 M. Ge, 2010: An Introduction to the NCAR-AirDat Operational928 TAMDAR-Enhanced RTFDDA-WRF, (IOAS-AOLS), AMS, Atlanta, GA.929930 Croke, M., N. Jacobs, P. Childs, and Y. Liu, 2009: The Utility931 of TAMDAR on Short-Range Forecasts over Alaska, (IOAS), AMS.932933 Jacobs, N., P. Childs, M. Croke, Y. Liu, and X. Y. Huang, 2009:934 The Optimization Between TAMDAR Data Assimilation Methods and935 Model Configuration in WRF-ARW, (IOAS-AOLS), AMS.936937 Childs, P., N. Jacobs, M. Croke, Y. Liu, and X. Y. Huang, 2009:938 TAMDAR-Related Impacts on the AirDat Operational WRF-ARW as a939 Function of Data Assimilation Techniques, (IOAS-AOLS), AMS.940941 Jacobs, N., P. Childs, M. Croke, and Y. Liu, 2008: The Effects942 of Horizontal Grid Spacing and Vertical Resolution on TAMDAR943 Data assimilation in Short-Range Mesoscale Forecasts, AMS944 Annual Meeting, 12th Symposium on Integrated Observing and945 Assimilation Systems for the Atmosphere, Oceans, and Land946 Surface (IOAS-AOLS).947948 Jacobs, N. A., S. Raman, G. M. Lackmann, and P. P. Childs, Jr,949 2007: The influence of the Gulf Stream induced SST gradients on950 the U.S. East Coast winter storm of 24-25 January 2000.951 International Journal of Remote Sensing, 29, 6145-6174.952953 Jacobs, N. A., 2007: Potential benefits of tropospheric954 airborne meteorological data reporting (TAMDAR). Managing the955 Skies, 5, 3, 20-23.956957 Liu, Y., T. Warner, S. Swerdlin, W. Yu, N. Jacobs, and M.958 Anderson, 2007: Assimilation data from diverse sources for959 mesoscale NWP: TAMDAR-data impact. Geophysical Research960 Abstracts, 9, EGU2007-A-03109.961962 Liu, Y., N. A. Jacobs, W. Yu, T. T. Warner, S. P. Swerdlin, and963 M. Anderson, 2007: An OSSE study of TAMDAR data impact on964 mesoscale data assimilation and prediction, AMS Annual Meeting,965 11th Symposium on (IOAS-AOLS) 5.20.966967 Jacobs, N. A., 2006: The effects of lower-tropospheric data968 resolution on short-range mesoscale model forecasts of surface969 temperatures during the summer season, Doc. and Tech. Note970 AirDat, LLC, 53 pp.971972 Jacobs, N. A., and Y. Liu, 2006: A comprehensive quantitative973 precipitation forecast statistical verification study, Doc. and974 Tech. AirDat 25 pp.975976 Jacobs, N. A., Y. Liu, and C.-M. Druse, 2006: Evaluation of977 temporal and spatial distribution of TAMDAR data in short-range978 mesoscale forecasts, AMS Annual Meeting, 10th Symp. IOAS-AOLS.979980 Jacobs, N. A., S. Raman, and G. M. Lackmann, 2006: Sensitivity981 of East Coast winter storms to sea surface temperature982 gradients, AMS Annual Meeting, 14th Conf. Sea-Atmos.983984 Jacobs, N. A., G. M. Lackmann and S. Raman 2005: The combined985 effects of Gulf Stream-induced baroclinicity and upper-level986 vorticity on U.S. East Coast extratropical cyclogenesis. Mon.987 Wea. Rev., 133, 2494-2501.988989 Jacobs, N. A., 2004: Porting MM5 to OS X: A guide to mesoscale990 modeling on a G5, Mac OSX Hints, 15, 97.991992 Jacobs, N., 2004: The Role of Marine Thermal Gradient Structure993 on Gulf Stream-Related Extratropical Cyclogenesis, Ph.D.994 Dissertation, Department of Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric995 Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC. 307pp.996997 Jacobs, N. A., S. Raman, G. M. Lackmann, and P. P. Childs, Jr,998 2004: Role of the Gulf Stream on extratropical cyclogenesis,999 AMS Annual Meeting, 20th Conf. WAF/NWP pp. 318-322.10001001 Raman, S., N. Jacobs, and M. Simpson, 2003: Numerical1002 simulation of land-air-sea interactions during the1003 northeasterly monsoon over Indian Ocean. INDOEX conf.1004 Bangalore, India.10051006 Jacobs, N. A., 2001: Latent and sensible heat fluxes over the1007 Gulf Stream region during OMP. AGU, Boston, MA. Preprint pp1008 412-417.10091010 Jacobs, N., 2000: Physical Oceanographic Processes and Air-Sea1011 Interactions of extratropical cyclogenesis during the Oceans1012 Margins Program, Thesis, Department of Marine, Earth, and1013 Atmospheric Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh,1014 NC. 178pp.10151016 Jacobs, N., C. Petrusak, V. Connors, D. DeMaster, T. Hopkins,1017 1998: Earth System Science: Integration of Computer Modeling1018 and Laboratory Studies. 25 conf GSA/ESSE, pp. 127-131.10191020 Jacobs, N., V. Connors, T. Hopkins, D. DeMaster, W. Sweet,1021 1998: The Evolution of Earth System Science at North Carolina1022 State University. 25 conf GSA/ESSE, pp. 417-421.10231024 18. List all speeches, panel discussions, and presentations (e.g.,1025PowerPoint) that you have given on topics relevant to the position for1026which you have been nominated. Include a link to each publication when1027possible. If a link is not available, provide a digital copy of the1028speech or presentation when available.10291030 Unified Forecast System (UFS) overview, American Meteorological1031 Society10321033 UFS community governance, AMS/UIFCW10341035 Open innovation and UFS, AMS/UIFCW10361037 Advances in NWP and data assimilation, AMS/AGU10381039 Agency budget process, AMS policy colloquium10401041 Overview of NWP and open innovation10421043 AMS advancements in UFS applications10441045 PWS global ensemble system, NCEP10461047 PWS global model and data assimilation, UK Met Office10481049 Assimilation of ABOs into a global modeling system, ECMWF10501051 Estimation of TAMDAR Error and Assimilation Experiments, UK Met1052 Office10531054 Utility of TAMDAR aircraft observations for NWP, ECMWF10551056 Optimization of TAMDAR for NWP, NCEP EMC10571058 Operational forecasting with TAMDAR, SMN10591060 Unique aspects of aircraft data assimilation, ECMWF10611062 19. List all public statements you have made during the past ten1063years, including statements in news articles and radio and podcasts and1064television appearances, which are on topics relevant to the position1065for which you have been nominated, including dates. Include a link to1066each statement when possible. If a link is not available, provide a1067digital copy of the statement when available.1068 I've done a few podcasts on modeling, weather and science, and was1069a regular host on the weatherbrains podcast. The topics almost always1070pertained to numerical weather prediction.10711072 http://weatherbrains.com10731074 https://www.youtube.com/@WeatherBrains/streams10751076 https://art19.com/shows/weather-geeks/10771078 https://art19.com/shows/off-the-radar10791080 20. List all digital platforms (including social media and other1081digital content sites) on which you currently or have formerly operated1082an account, regardless of whether or not the account was held in your1083name or an alias. Include the full name of an ``alias'' or ``handle'',1084including the complete URL and username with hyperlinks, you have used1085on each of the named platforms. Indicate whether the account is active,1086deleted, or dormant. Include a link to each account if possible.1087 I do not have any social media presence, and I am not on LinkedIn.1088 21. Please identify each instance in which you have testified1089orally or in writing before Congress in a governmental or non-1090governmental capacity and specify the date, committee, and subject1091matter of each testimony.10921093 Winning in Weather: U.S. Competitiveness in Forecasting and1094 Modeling (6 March 2024)--House of Representatives, Committee on1095 Science, Space, and Technology, Subcommittee on Environment10961097 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Organic Act (181098 April 2023)--House of Representatives, Committee on Science,1099 Space, and Technology, Full Committee11001101 Senate Confirmation: Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and1102 Atmosphere (11 March 2020); United States Senate, Subcommittee1103 on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies11041105 Examining Opportunities to Improve Prevention and Response of1106 SASH at NOAA (27 February 2020)--House of Representatives,1107 Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Oversight and1108 Investigations11091110 A Task of EPIC Proportions: Reclaiming U.S. Leadership in1111 Weather Modeling and Prediction (20 November 2019)--House of1112 Representatives, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology,1113 Subcommittee on Environment11141115 The Future of Forecasting: Building a Stronger U.S. Weather1116 Enterprise (16 May 2019)--House of Representatives, Committee1117 on Science, Space, and Technology, Subcommittee on the1118 Environment11191120 A Review of the NOAA Fiscal Year 2020 Budget Request (30 April1121 2019)--House of Representatives, Committee on Science, Space,1122 and Technology, Subcommittee on the Environment11231124 Review of the FY2020 Budget Request for the U.S. Department of1125 Commerce (2 April 2019)--United States Senate, Committee on1126 Appropriations, Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and1127 Related Agencies11281129 The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Budget1130 Request for Fiscal Year 2020 (27 March 2019)--House of1131 Representatives, Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on1132 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies11331134 Understanding the Changing Climate System and the Role of1135 Climate Research (26 February 2019)--House of Representatives,1136 Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice,1137 Science, and Related Agencies11381139 Surveying the Space Weather Landscape (26 April 2018)--House of1140 Representatives, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology,1141 Subcommittee on Space11421143 Senate Confirmation: Assistant Secretary of Commerce for1144 Observation and Prediction (1 November 2017); United States1145 Senate, Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related1146 Agencies11471148 Leading the Way: Examining Advances in Environmental Technology1149 (21 June 2017)--House of Representatives, Committee on Science,1150 Space, and Technology, Subcommittee on Environment11511152 Private Sector Weather Forecasting: Assessing Products and1153 Technologies (8 June 2016)--House of Representatives, Committee1154 on Science, Space, and Technology. Subcommittee on Environment11551156 22. Given the current mission, major programs, and major1157operational objectives of the department/agency/commission/corporation1158to which you have been nominated, what in your background or employment1159experience do you believe affirmatively qualifies you for appointment1160to the position for which you have been nominated, and why do you wish1161to serve in that position?1162 I gained significant experience and understanding of NOAA's1163operations after previously serving as both the Assistant Secretary of1164Commerce for Environmental Observation and Prediction (2018-2021) and1165acting Under Secretary of Commerce of Oceans and Atmospheres from 20191166to 2021. I have a very detailed understanding of what is involved in1167managing NOAA from the policy, budget, and personnel side to needs and1168opportunities for innovative solutions to better meet the mission1169requirements. I previously led the agency's effort to support the1170scientific community through focused improvements to its external1171engagement strategy. This culminated in the Earth Prediction Innovation1172Center, which is bringing together the scientific expertise from1173Federal partners, world-class researchers, and the private sector. I1174also understand that to be successful, NOAA must embrace new1175partnerships. In 2019, under my leadership, NOAA unveiled the Big Data1176Project, now called NOAA Open Data Dissemination (NODD), where the1177public has greater access to all NOAA data through partnerships with1178Google, Amazon, and Microsoft.1179 I have extensive experience with public-private-academic1180partnerships for weather model and observing system development. As a1181founding member of Panasonic Avionics weather division's predecessor1182company AirDat, I directed the private side of the NWS's very first1183atmospheric commercial observational data acquisition as a subscription1184service. This is a great example of a successful public-private1185partnership that is still in existence today. Having worked alongside1186NOAA and NWS employees and scientists as a scientific collaborator, I1187have earned their trust and respect. Additionally, I have great working1188relationships with key World Meteorological Organization member1189countries and their respective National Meteorological Service1190Directors.1191 Prior to focusing my career on numerical weather prediction, I1192worked as both a marine electronics technician and a recreational1193saltwater inshore fishing guide. I have a unique appreciation for the1194recreational boating industry and an extensive knowledge of coastal1195marine fisheries conservation spanning the Carolinas to the Florida1196Keys.1197 23. What do you believe are your responsibilities, if confirmed, to1198ensure that the department/agency/commission/corporation has proper1199management and accounting controls, and what experience do you have in1200managing a large organization?1201 My responsibility, as the NOAA Administrator, will be to work1202closely with NOAA line offices, and provide leadership to better manage1203the agency's assets in their service to the American people. As duly1204confirmed by the Senate, and as political appointees, we have an1205obligation to comply with the direction and oversight provided by1206Congress to manage our agency to the best of our abilities and within1207the letter of the law.1208 I have a very detailed understanding of what is involved in1209managing NOAA because I've done it before. I ran the agency from 20191210to 2021, through multiple annual budget cycles, spend plans, and1211disaster supplemental appropriations, some of which spanned the1212pandemic.1213 Running a large agency with a public service mandate of protecting1214life and property during a pandemic was not something anyone could have1215been fully prepared to do. Under my leadership, NOAA rapidly changed1216and adapted operational protocols and accelerated onboarding of new1217technologies like cloud data access, virtual environments for daily1218meetings, and autonomous vehicles for acoustic fish surveys. Apart from1219a few bottom trawl surveys, NOAA successfully executed all of its1220mission essential functions, including producing the some of the most1221accurate hurricane forecast tracks on record for the most active1222Atlantic season on record (2020: 30 named storms) with the most1223landfalls on record (2020: 11 U.S. landfalls), while simultaneously1224doing a stellar job of fire weather forecasting.1225 24. What do you believe to be the top three challenges facing the1226department/agency/commission/corporation, and why?1227 Weather Forecasting and Modeling--Return NOAA NWS to the world's1228leader in global weather forecast modeling capability. The United1229States led the world in weather forecasting and modeling for decades,1230but has not kept pace with overseas competition, and is struggling to1231maintain the status of third most accurate global weather model among1232National Meteorological Services. As a matter of public safety,1233national security, and national pride, we will restore American1234technical superiority for this vital service for the country and our1235military serving around the world. As part of this effort, implementing1236a community-based earth-system modeling program is crucial. This will1237require adoption of cloud-based computational resources and artificial1238intelligence. While this is technically straightforward, it will1239require a significant culture shift in the workforce and proactive1240effort to migrate to cloud and align development efforts across a1241common code base. Rapid change management will always be a challenge in1242any large organization. The prediction of the future state of the1243atmosphere, ocean, and even the sun, requires accurate and timely1244observations for both initialization and verification. Whether these1245forecasts are physics based or AI or a hybrid of both, as the model1246space-time resolution increases, the need for better observations1247increases exponentially. Embracing new technologies, novel approaches,1248and partnerships with industry and the research community will be an1249integral part of addressing this challenge.1250 Reduce Seafood Supply Deficit--The U.S. has an estimated $201251billion trade imbalance in seafood, much of it due to unfair trade1252practices, the importation of aquaculture seafood, and lack of domestic1253processing capacity and aquaculture production. The U.S. imports1254roughly $26 billion in seafood--nearly half of which is produced via1255aquaculture and 30 percent is shrimp (farmed and wild-caught). To1256achieve changes to the deficit, NOAA should consider increasing wild-1257caught production, increasing aquaculture, and reducing imports from1258nations with weak environmental protections. Leveling the playing field1259will also require cracking down on illegal, unreported, and unregulated1260(IUU) fishing. Additionally, embracing new technologies and science-1261based approaches to stock assessments will benefit both the U.S.1262commercial fishing industry and recreational fishing community.1263 Asset management--NOAA maintains hundreds of facilities across the1264nation, operates some of the largest observing networks in the world,1265and flies some of the most cutting-edge satellites in space. Over time,1266these assets will need to be replenished and recapitalized to continue1267providing Americans with the level of service they have come to rely1268on. These assets will continue to require careful planning, management,1269and oversight to ensure NOAA continues to meet its mission requirement.1270 b. potential conflicts of interest1271 1. Describe all financial arrangements, deferred compensation1272agreements, and other continuing dealings with business associates,1273clients, or customers. Please include information related to retirement1274accounts, such as a 401(k) or pension plan.1275 I have no financial arrangements, deferred compensation agreements,1276or other continuing dealings with business associates, clients, or1277customers. I do have an IRA and Roth.1278 2. Do you have any commitments or agreements, formal or informal,1279to maintain employment, affiliation, or practice with any business,1280association, or other organization during your appointment? If so,1281please explain. No.1282 3. Indicate any investments, obligations, liabilities, or other1283relationships which could involve potential conflicts of interest in1284the position to which you have been nominated. Explain how you will1285resolve each potential conflict of interest.1286 In connection with the nomination process, I have consulted with1287the Office of Government Ethics and Department of Commerce agency1288ethics officials to identify any potential conflicts of interest. Any1289potential conflicts of interest will be resolved in accordance with the1290terms of my ethics agreement. I understand that my ethics agreement has1291been provided to the Committee. I am not aware of any potential1292conflict of interest other than those that are the subject of my ethics1293agreement.1294 4. Describe any business relationship, dealing, or financial1295transaction which you have had during the last ten years, whether for1296yourself, on behalf of a client, or acting as an agent, that could in1297any way constitute or result in a possible conflict of interest in the1298position to which you have been nominated. Explain how you will resolve1299each potential conflict of interest. None.1300 5. Identify any other potential conflicts of interest and explain1301how you will resolve each potential conflict of interest.1302 Any potential conflicts of interest will be resolved in accordance1303with the terms of my ethics agreement. I understand that my ethics1304agreement has been provided to the Committee.1305 6. Describe any activity during the past ten years, including the1306names of clients represented, in which you have been engaged for the1307purpose of directly or indirectly influencing the passage, defeat, or1308modification of any legislation or affecting the administration and1309execution of law or public policy. None.1310 c. legal matters1311 1. Have you ever been disciplined or cited for a breach of ethics,1312professional misconduct, or retaliation by, or been the subject of a1313complaint to, any court, administrative agency, the Office of Special1314Counsel, an Inspector General, professional association, disciplinary1315committee, or other professional group? If yes:13161317 a. Provide the name of the court, agency, association, committee, or1318 group;13191320 b. Provide the date the citation, disciplinary action, complaint, or1321 personnel action was issued or initiated;13221323 c. Describe the citation, disciplinary action, complaint, or1324 personnel action;13251326 d. Provide the results of the citation, disciplinary action,1327 complaint, or personnel action.13281329 While not officially cited for breach of ethics, I encumbered the1330NOAA Administrator position during the September 6, 2019, incident and1331was one of several employees that were referred to the Inspector1332General. The conclusions of the IG report did not find me at fault for1333the incident, and I was not cited for any breach of ethics. The report1334concludes that while a better protocol for chain of command should have1335been followed, that the process for handling social media was not well1336established. It also concludes that I was one of only three parties who1337properly preserved records. In the end, I received no citation, and no1338disciplinary or personnel action was taken. https://www.oig.doc.gov/1339OIGPublications/OIG-20-032-I.pdf1340 2. Have you ever been investigated, arrested, charged, or held by1341any Federal, State, or other law enforcement authority of any Federal,1342State, county, municipal, or foreign government entity, other than for1343a minor traffic offense? If so, please explain. No.1344 3. Have you or any business or nonprofit of which you are or were1345an officer ever been involved as a party in an administrative agency1346proceeding, criminal proceeding, or civil litigation? If so, please1347explain. No.1348 4. Have you ever been convicted (including pleas of guilty or nolo1349contendere) of any criminal violation other than a minor traffic1350offense? If so, please explain. No.1351 5. Have you ever been accused, formally or informally, of sexual1352assault, sexual harassment, or discrimination on the basis of sex,1353race, religion, or any other basis? If so, please explain. No.1354 6. Please advise the Committee of any additional information,1355favorable or unfavorable, which you feel should be disclosed in1356connection with your nomination. None.1357 d. relationship with committee1358 1. Will you ensure that your department/agency/commission/1359corporation complies with deadlines for information set by1360congressional committees, and that your department/agency/commission/1361corporation endeavors to timely comply with requests for information1362from individual Members of Congress, including requests from members in1363the minority? Yes.1364 2. Will you ensure that your department/agency/commission/1365corporation does whatever it can to protect congressional witnesses and1366whistleblowers from reprisal for their testimony and disclosures? Yes.1367 3. Will you cooperate in providing the Committee with requested1368witnesses, including technical experts and career employees, with1369firsthand knowledge of matters of interest to the Committee? Yes.1370 4. Are you willing to appear and testify before any duly1371constituted committee of the Congress on such occasions as you may be1372reasonably requested to do so? Yes.13731374 The Chairman. Thank you, Dr. Jacobs. Mr. Jordan, you are1375recognized for your opening statement.13761377 STATEMENT OF TAYLOR JORDAN, NOMINEE TO BE AN13781379 ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR13801381 ENVIRONMENTAL OBSERVATION AND PREDICTION, NOAA13821383 Mr. Jordan. Chairman Cruz, Ranking Member Cantwell, and1384members of the Committee, thank you for the opportunity to1385appear before you today. I am honored to be nominated for the1386position of Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Environmental1387Observation and Prediction by President Trump, and I also want1388to thank Secretary Lutnick for his support of my nomination.1389 If I have the honor of being confirmed, I look forward to1390working with all of you on the important work performed by NOAA1391in the areas of observation, data, and forecasting. I would1392also like to thank and recognize my fiancee, Minsu Crowder-Han,1393and my family watching from Texas.1394 My mother, Cindy Jordan, and her husband, Scott Wright, as1395well as my father, Gene Jordan, my brother, Chris Jordan, and1396his family. As a born and raised Texan, I have had a lifelong1397fascination with weather. I grew up in Longview, in East Texas,1398which has seen its fair share of severe weather impacts,1399tornadoes, straight line winds, hail, lightning strikes.1400 As a kid, every time the sirens would go off for a1401potential tornado, my father would first go outside and look up1402at the sky, which might be a uniquely Texan behavior, but I1403would head to my parents' closet to take shelter. I would also1404like to take a moment to mention the floods in Texas this past1405weekend.1406 As a Texan, this hits close to home for me, and is a tragic1407reminder that weather affects Americans every day. If1408confirmed, I will work closely with the Secretary of Commerce1409and the NOAA Administrator to ensure the National Weather1410Service continues to provide weather forecasts that keep1411Americans out of harm's way.1412 Collectively, I have had the privilege of working on NOAA1413issues for the last 14 years, and I have worked on these issues1414from three distinct vantage points, in Congress, at NOAA, and1415in the private sector. After graduating from the University of1416North Texas, I was fortunate enough to have an internship in1417D.C. for the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology,1418where I first worked under Chairman Ralph Hall and then1419Chairman Lamar Smith.1420 It was there on the Committee where I learned about NOAA's1421mission and how their weather forecasting resulted in those1422sirens I always heard growing up. The forecast for those severe1423storms started with NOAA. I spent 7 years on the House Science1424Committee working on issues related to NOAA and other civil1425science agencies. I was the lead author for the Weather1426Research and Forecasting Innovation Act, also known as the1427Weather Act.1428 That bill was the first major piece of weather related1429legislation in decades and gave NOAA tools to help it better1430achieve its mission of protecting lives and property. Many of1431the Weather Act's authorizations are still relevant today, and1432if I am honored to be confirmed, I look forward to working with1433this committee to reauthorize this important piece of1434legislation. I also had the privilege of serving as a Senior1435Policy Advisor to the NOAA Administrator from 2018 to 2020.1436 In this role, I oversaw the implementation of the Weather1437Act and worked closely with NOAA's leadership and staff to1438provide accurate and timely weather forecasts. I also worked1439with NOAA line offices to help manage multi-billion dollar1440programs and acquisitions across the agency. Since 2021, I have1441worked in the private sector to advocate for programs and1442policies that support NOAA's mission and create meaningful1443partnerships.1444 I have worked with private companies that provide NOAA with1445valuable weather data. Contractors that provide technical and1446expert support services. Scientists that contribute cutting-1447edge knowledge to our understanding of the Earth, and many1448others that support NOAA in various ways. Thanks to these1449experiences, I have developed a deep appreciation for NOAA's1450mission and its lifesaving information.1451 NOAA operates in every state, forecasts for every location,1452and provides important and unique information across the1453country every day. NOAA achieves this through extensive1454observing networks and infrastructure, dedicated scientists and1455forecasters, and public-private partnerships. NOAA relies on1456expertise from our robust American science and technology1457ecosystem, from private companies, contractors, academia, and1458universities, nonprofits, State, local, and tribal partners.1459 If confirmed, it would be a tremendous honor to help lead1460such a distinguished organization of scientists, engineers,1461forecaster, and uniformed officers. I will work closely with1462members of this committee to ensure NOAA continues to provide1463accurate and timely weather forecasting to protect lives and1464property and safeguard the national economy.1465 Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member Cantwell, and members of the1466Committee, thank you again for the opportunity to appear before1467you. I would be pleased to answer any questions you have.1468 [The prepared statement and biographical information of Mr.1469Jordan follow:]14701471Prepared Statement of Taylor Jordan, Nominee for Assistant Secretary of1472 Commerce for Environmental Observation and Prediction1473 Chairman Cruz, Ranking Member Cantwell, and Members of the1474Committee, thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today. I1475am honored to be nominated for the position of Assistant Secretary of1476Commerce for Environmental Observation and Prediction by President1477Trump, and I also want to thank Secretary Lutnick for his support of my1478nomination. If I have the honor of being confirmed, I look forward to1479working with all of you on the important work performed by NOAA in the1480areas of observation, data, and forecasting.1481 I would also like to thank and recognize my fiancee Minsu Crowder-1482Han for being with me here today, and my family watching from Texas: my1483mother Cindy Jordan and her husband Scott Wright, as well as my father1484Gene Jordan, brother Chris Jordan and his family.1485 As a born and raised Texan, I have had a lifelong fascination with1486weather. I grew up in Longview in East Texas, which has seen its fair1487share of severe weather impacts: tornados, straight-line winds, hail,1488and lightning strikes. As a kid, every time the sirens would go off;1489for a potential tornado, my father would first go outside and look up1490at the sky--a uniquely Texan behavior--while I would head to my1491parent's closet to take shelter.1492 Collectively, I have had the privilege of working on NOAA issues1493for the last 14 years, and I have worked on these issues from three1494distinct vantage points: (1) in Congress, (2) at NOAA, and (3) in the1495private sector.1496 After graduating from the University of North Texas, I was1497fortunate enough to have an internship in DC for the House Committee on1498Science, Space, and Technology, where I worked first under Chairman1499Ralph Hall and then Chairman Lamar Smith. It was there, on the1500Committee, where I learned about NOAA's mission and how their weather1501forecasting resulted in those sirens I always heard growing up--the1502forecast for those severe storms started with NOAA.1503 I spent seven years on the House Science Committee, working on1504issues related to NOAA and other civil science agencies. I was the lead1505author for the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act, also1506known as the Weather Act. That bill was the first major piece of1507weather-related legislation in decades and gave NOAA tools to help it1508better achieve its mission of protecting lives and property. Many of1509the Weather Act's authorizations are still relevant today, and if I am1510honored to be confirmed, I look forward to working with this Committee1511to reauthorize this important piece of legislation.1512 I also had the privilege of serving as a senior policy advisor to1513the NOAA Administrator from 2018-2020. In this role, I oversaw1514implementation of the Weather Act, and worked closely with NOAA's1515leadership and staff; to provide accurate and timely weather forecasts.1516I also worked with leadership and NOAA line offices to help manage1517multi-billion dollar programs and acquisitions across the agency.1518 Since 2021, I have worked in the private sector to advocate for1519programs and policies that improve NOAA's mission and create meaningful1520partnerships. I have worked with private companies that provide NOAA1521with valuable weather data, contractors that provide technical and1522expert support services, scientists that contribute cutting-edge1523knowledge to our understanding of the earth, and many others that1524support NOAA in various ways.1525 Thanks to these experiences, I have developed a deep appreciation1526for NOAA's mission and its life-saving information. NOAA operates in1527every state, forecasts for every location, and provides important and1528unique information across the country every day. NOAA achieves this1529through extensive observing networks and infrastructure, dedicated1530scientists and forecasters, and public-private partnerships. NOAA1531relies on expertise from our robust American science and technology1532ecosystem--from private companies, contractors, academia, non-profits,1533and state, local, and tribal partners.1534 If confirmed, it would be a tremendous honor to help lead such a1535distinguished organization of scientists, engineers, forecasters and1536uniformed officers. I will also work closely with Members of this1537Committee to ensure NOAA continues to provide accurate and timely1538weather forecasting to protect lives and property, and safeguard the1539national economy.1540 Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member Cantwell, and Members of the1541Committee, thank you again for the opportunity to appear before you1542today. I would be pleased to answer any questions you may have.1543 ______15441545 a. biographical information1546 1. Name (Include any former names or nicknames used): Taylor Ross1547Jordan.1548 2. Position to which nominated: Assistant Secretary of Commerce for1549Environmental Observation and Prediction.1550 3. Date of Nomination: February 11, 2025.1551 4. Address (List current place of residence and office addresses):15521553 Residence: Information not released to the public.1554 Office: Information not provided.15551556 5. Date and Place of Birth: Longview, Texas (Gregg County); August15577, 1987.1558 6. Provide the name, position, and place of employment for your1559spouse (if married) or domestic partner, and the names and ages of your1560children (including stepchildren and children by a previous marriage).1561 Not married.1562 7. List all college and graduate schools attended, whether or not1563you were granted a degree by the institution. Provide the name of the1564institution, the dates attended, the degree received, and the date of1565the degree.15661567 University of North Texas, Bachelor of Arts in International1568 Relations, 2006-2010.1569 Johns Hopkins University, Master of Science in Energy and1570 Climate Policy, 2013-2014.15711572 8. List all post-undergraduate employment, including the job title,1573name of employer, and inclusive dates of employment, and highlight all1574management-level jobs held and any non-managerial jobs that relate to1575the position for which you are nominated.15761577 U.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Science, Space, and1578 Technology--Professional Staff Member, 2011-2018.15791580 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Senior Policy1581 Advisor, 2018-2020.15821583 Innovative Federal Strategies--Principal, 2021 to present.15841585 9. Attach a copy of your resume.1586 Attached.1587 10. List any advisory, consultative, honorary, or other part-time1588service or positions with Federal, State, or local governments, other1589than those listed above after 18 years of age. None.1590 11. List all positions held as an officer, director, trustee,1591partner, proprietor, agent, representative, or consultant of any1592corporation, company, firm, partnership, or other business, enterprise,1593educational, or other institution. None.1594 12. List all memberships you have had after 18 years of age or1595currently hold with any civic, social, charitable, educational,1596political, professional, fraternal, benevolent or religiously1597affiliated organization, private club, or other membership organization1598(You do not have to list your religious affiliation or membership in a1599religious house of worship or institution). Include dates of membership1600and any positions you have held with any organization. Please note1601whether any such club or organization restricts membership on the basis1602of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, or disability.1603 American Meteorological Society1604 13. Have you ever been a candidate for and/or held a public office1605(elected, non-elected, or appointed)? If so, indicate whether any1606campaign has any outstanding debt, the amount, and whether you are1607personally liable for that debt. No.1608 14. List all memberships and offices held with and services1609rendered to, whether compensated or not, any political party or1610election committee within the past ten years. If you have held a paid1611position or served in a formal or official advisory position (whether1612compensated or not) in a political campaign within the past ten years,1613identify the particulars of the campaign, including the candidate, year1614of the campaign, and your title and responsibilities. None.1615 15. Itemize all political contributions to any individual, campaign1616organization, political party, political action committee, or similar1617entity of $200 or more for the past ten years.16181619 Don Bacon for Congress, 10/21/2024--$260.2516201621 Trump National Committee JFC, 09/06/2024--$260.2516221623 Chuck Fleischmann, 4/17/2024--$500.0016241625 Hal Rogers, 03/12/2024--$500.0016261627 Tom Cole, 06/11/2024--$500.0016281629 Dale Strong, 6/12/2024--100.0016301631 Trump Victory, 09/29/2020--$250.0016321633 Trump Victory, 2/24/2020--$1041.9816341635 16. List all scholarships, fellowships, honorary degrees, honorary1636society memberships, military medals, and any other special recognition1637for outstanding service or achievements.16381639 American Council on Germany, McCloy Fellowship on Global1640 Trends, October 2016. Berlin, Germany16411642 17. List all books, articles, columns, letters to the editor,1643Internet blog postings, or other publications you have authored,1644individually or with others. Include a link to each publication when1645possible. If a link is not available, provide a digital copy of the1646publication when available. None.1647 18. List all speeches, panel discussions, and presentations (e.g.,1648PowerPoint) that you have given on topics relevant to the position for1649which you have been nominated. Include a link to each publication when1650possible. If a link is not available, provide a digital copy of the1651speech or presentation when available.16521653 American Meteorological Society, Congressional Panel, 201616541655 American Meteorological Society, Congressional Panel, 201716561657 American Meteorological Society, Congressional Panel, 201916581659 19. List all public statements you have made during the past ten1660years, including statements in news articles and radio and podcasts and1661television appearances, which are on topics relevant to the position1662for which you have been nominated, including dates. Include a link to1663each statement when possible. If a link is not available, provide a1664digital copy of the statement when available. None.1665 20. List all digital platforms (including social media and other1666digital content sites) on which you currently or have formerly operated1667an account, regardless of whether or not the account was held in your1668name or an alias. Include the full name of an ``alias'' or ``handle'',1669including the complete URL and username with hyperlinks, you have used1670on each of the named platforms. Indicate whether the account is active,1671deleted, or dormant. Include a link to each account if possible.16721673 Twitter: www.x.com/thegreatesthoax16741675 Instagram: www.instagram.com/thegreatesthoax16761677 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-jordan-5915b94a16781679 21. Please identify each instance in which you have testified1680orally or in writing before Congress in a governmental or non-1681governmental capacity and specify the date, committee, and subject1682matter of each testimony. None.1683 22. Given the current mission, major programs, and major1684operational objectives of the department/agency/commission/corporation1685to which you have been nominated, what in your background or employment1686experience do you believe affirmatively qualifies you for appointment1687to the position for which you have been nominated, and why do you wish1688to serve in that position?1689 My 14 years of experience in Washington DC have been centered on1690expert knowledge of NOAA and its various programs. My work at the House1691Science Committee as the Professional Staff Member overseeing NOAA, and1692working directly at NOAA as the Senior Policy Advisor, qualify me for1693this appointment. Since leaving NOAA and the Federal Government, I have1694advocated on behalf of private sector companies and nonprofits that1695work closely with NOAA. My experience working with NOAA at three1696different vantage points give me a unique perspective and understanding1697of NOAA's mission. If I am confirmed for this role, I wish to serve my1698country again in Federal Government and ensure that critical programs1699at NOAA serve the American people.1700 23. What do you believe are your responsibilities, if confirmed, to1701ensure that the department/agency/commission/corporation has proper1702management and accounting controls, and what experience do you have in1703managing a large organization?1704 NOAA's mission is to protect lives and property. It does so through1705accurate and timely weather forecasts. It is the responsibility of NOAA1706leadership to ensure NOAA operates efficiently and effectively to1707produce lifesaving forecasts. My responsibility as the Assistant1708Secretary of Commerce for Environmental Observation and Prediction will1709be to work closely with NOAA line offices to provide leadership and1710help manage infrastructure and assets. In my experience working on the1711House Science Committee, I had the opportunity work with staff and1712Members from the entire U.S. House of Representatives to craft1713legislation and conduct oversight on many environmental issues. During1714my time at NOAA, I had the opportunity to work with countless1715scientists and policy experts on issues of national importance, and1716help push policy and consensus forward to improve agency success for1717the American people.1718 24. What do you believe to be the top three challenges facing the1719department/agency/commission/corporation, and why?1720 NOAA must face many challenges in the coming years. 1) NOAA must1721ensure that its weather modelling and prediction capabilities remain1722accurate and timely to protect American lives and property. NOAA has1723long been a global leader in weather forecasting but has not kept pace1724with international progress in recent years. 2) NOAA must ensure it1725manages its data portfolio and associated infrastructure in a1726responsible manner that is consistent with operational agency needs.1727NOAA relies on vast networks of data and technologies that underpin1728accurate weather forecasts. These systems should be scaled and improved1729to increase accuracy and benefit to the American taxpayer. 3) NOAA must1730ensure it manages costs and budget for large acquisitions such as its1731satellite systems and potential future radar recapitalization efforts.1732Historically, NOAA satellite programs have cost tens of billions of1733dollars. While these systems remain critical, their portion of NOAA's1734budget strains other operational mission functions. In the coming1735years, NOAA will likely need to budget for next-generation weather1736radar replacements and other large assets.1737 b. potential conflicts of interest1738 1. Describe all financial arrangements, deferred compensation1739agreements, and other continuing dealings with business associates,1740clients, or customers. Please include information related to retirement1741accounts, such as a 401(k) or pension plan.1742 Innovative Federal Strategies (IFS) maintains a profit-sharing1743(retirement) plan and makes contributions based on a formula1744recommended by a Third-Party Administrator. I am due a contribution for1745my employment in 2024 that totals $17,836.50. I expect that1746contribution will be made to my profit-sharing account in June or July1747of 2025. I will not be due a contribution for my employment in calendar1748year 2025 based on the plan requirements.1749 IFS' outside counsel has advised the firm during my nomination1750process, and I have de-registered from lobbying activities as of March175131, 2025 concurrent with my agreement with IFS not to make lobbying1752contacts.1753 2. Do you have any commitments or agreements, formal or informal,1754to maintain employment, affiliation, or practice with any business,1755association, or other organization during your appointment? If so,1756please explain.1757 I have no formal or informal commitments or agreements to maintain1758employment, affiliation, or practice with any business, association, or1759other organization during my appointment.1760 3. Indicate any investments, obligations, liabilities, or other1761relationships which could involve potential conflicts of interest in1762the position to which you have been nominated. Explain how you will1763resolve each potential conflict of interest.1764 As part of my duties at Innovative Federal Strategies, I have1765advocated and lobbied the legislative branch and executive branch,1766including NOAA, on behalf of several companies. I will engage with1767counsel at the agency to determine where it is appropriate and1768necessary for me to recuse myself from matters involving Innovative1769Federal Strategies and/or its current or former clients with whom I1770worked. I will routinely engage with General Counsel to ensure I remain1771compliant with applicable laws and regulations.1772 I do not hold any other investments, obligations, or liabilities1773that could involve a potential conflict of interest.1774 4. Describe any business relationship, dealing, or financial1775transaction which you have had during the last ten years, whether for1776yourself, on behalf of a client, or acting as an agent, that could in1777any way constitute or result in a possible conflict of interest in the1778position to which you have been nominated. Explain how you will resolve1779each potential conflict of interest.1780 As part of my duties at IFS over the last four years, I lobbied on1781behalf of the firm's clients for issues related to NOAA. Clients of the1782firm enter into agreements to provide lobbying services that interact1783with Congressional offices as well as the Executive branch.1784 I will engage with NOAA ethics officials during my appointment to1785determine where it is appropriate to recuse myself from certain1786contractual issues that involve companies that I lobbied on behalf of1787during my tenure at IFS.1788 5. Identify any other potential conflicts of interest and explain1789how you will resolve each potential conflict of interest.1790 I am not aware of any other potential conflicts of interest that1791have not otherwise been disclosed.1792 6. Describe any activity during the past ten years, including the1793names of clients represented, in which you have been engaged for the1794purpose of directly or indirectly influencing the passage, defeat, or1795modification of any legislation or affecting the administration and1796execution of law or public policy.1797 During my time at IFS, I have lobbied on behalf of multiple clients1798of the firm, primarily during the Congressional Appropriations process.1799I have lobbied for the below companies at various points over the last1800four years:18011802 AccuWeather18031804 Arianespace18051806 Association for the Advancement of AI18071808 Care Weather Technologies18091810 Covax18111812 Ethereal Space18131814 Exail Inc.18151816 FLYHT18171818 GreenSight Inc.18191820 Ideanomics18211822 Interos18231824 KSAT18251826 Lynker18271828 Meetkai Inc.18291830 Ocean Power Technologies18311832 Orbital Micro Systems18331834 Phoenix Operations18351836 PlanetiQ18371838 Research and Education Coalition for Ocean Science18391840 SmallSat Alliance18411842 Spatial Informatics Group18431844 Spire Global18451846 Stephenson Technologies Corporation18471848 Ultra Safe Nuclear18491850 WindBorne Systems18511852 Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution18531854 Xerox Corp18551856 Xplore1857 c. legal matters1858 1. Have you ever been disciplined or cited for a breach of ethics,1859professional misconduct, or retaliation by, or been the subject of a1860complaint to, any court, administrative agency, the Office of Special1861Counsel, an Inspector General, professional association, disciplinary1862committee, or other professional group? No.1863 2. Have you ever been investigated, arrested, charged, or held by1864any Federal, State, or other law enforcement authority of any Federal,1865State, county, municipal, or foreign government entity, other than for1866a minor traffic offense? If so, please explain.1867 Yes, in 2007 I was arrested for misdemeanor possession of marijuana1868during my freshman year of college. I was ordered to do community1869service and probation. I have since had my record expunged, however I1870do continue to list this offense on my SF-86 documentation. I have no1871other offenses.1872 3. Have you or any business or nonprofit of which you are or were1873an officer ever been involved as a party in an administrative agency1874proceeding, criminal proceeding, or civil litigation? If so, please1875explain. No.1876 4. Have you ever been convicted (including pleas of guilty or nolo1877contendere) of any criminal violation other than a minor traffic1878offense? If so, please explain. No.1879 5. Have you ever been accused, formally or informally, of sexual1880assault, sexual harassment, or discrimination on the basis of sex,1881race, religion, or any other basis? If so, please explain. No.1882 6. Please advise the Committee of any additional information,1883favorable or unfavorable, which you feel should be disclosed in1884connection with your nomination. None.1885 d. relationship with committee1886 1. Will you ensure that your department/agency/commission/1887corporation complies with deadlines for information set by1888congressional committees, and that your department/agency/commission/1889corporation endeavors to timely comply with requests for information1890from individual Members of Congress, including requests from members in1891the minority? Yes.1892 2. Will you ensure that your department/agency/commission/1893corporation does whatever it can to protect congressional witnesses and1894whistleblowers from reprisal for their testimony and disclosures? Yes.1895 3. Will you cooperate in providing the Committee with requested1896witnesses, including technical experts and career employees, with1897firsthand knowledge of matters of interest to the Committee? Yes.1898 4. Are you willing to appear and testify before any duly1899constituted committee of the Congress on such occasions as you may be1900reasonably requested to do so? Yes.1901 ______19021903 The Chairman. Thank you. Mr. Kumar.19041905 STATEMENT OF HARRY KUMAR, NOMINEE TO BE AN19061907 ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR19081909 LEGISLATIVE AND INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS19101911 Mr. Kumar. Chairman Cruz, Ranking Member Cantwell, and1912distinguished members of the Senate Commerce Committee, I am1913honored to appear before you today as the nominee to serve as1914Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Legislative and1915Intergovernmental Affairs.1916 I am deeply grateful to President Trump for my nomination,1917to Secretary Lutnick for his leadership of the Department, and1918to this committee for its consideration of my nomination.1919Before I begin, I want to express my deepest gratitude to those1920joining me here today, including my parents, Drs. Nat and Saku1921Kumar, whose unwavering support and example have profoundly1922shaped my commitment to public service.1923 And my better half, Ali, whose love, encouragement, and1924support have been my foundation throughout this journey. I am a1925native Texan who grew up in the Southeast Texas town of1926Beaumont. I was fortunate to be raised in a community that1927taught me the value of hard work, determination, and service.1928 And I am grateful to have the support of countless family1929and friends who have helped shape my journey to this point. My1930heart remains with my home state and to all those affected in1931the wake of last weekend's tragic events.1932 I come before you filled with both humility and a strong1933sense of purpose. I believe my accumulated experience,1934including my prior work, in legislative affairs at the1935Department of Commerce during President Trump's first term, and1936as a staffer in this body, will serve me well in faithfully1937executing the responsibilities of the Assistant Secretary1938position.1939 In previous roles across both the Legislative and Executive1940branches, I have worked to build bipartisan consensus, navigate1941complex environments, and strengthen the relationship between1942government and the communities it serves. If confirmed, I will1943bring that same approach to the Assistant Secretary role,1944grounded in transparency, responsiveness, and collaboration.1945 The Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs1946plays a vital role in connecting the Department's work with1947Congress, State and local governments, and tribal partners. If1948confirmed, I will focus on three key priorities. Number one,1949timely responsiveness. Prioritizing clear, proactive1950communication with Members of Congress and their staff. Number1951two, intergovernmental partnership.1952 Deepening coordination with Governors, Mayors, and tribal1953leaders to ensure that the opportunities and challenges facing1954communities are understood by the Commerce Department. And1955number three, bipartisan collaboration. Working across the1956aisle to achieve the goals shared by all Americans, such as1957economic growth, revitalizing U.S. manufacturing, and1958protecting American innovation.1959 Across the Department's diverse mission, from supporting1960U.S. exporters and small businesses, to safeguarding critical1961supply chains and our domestic seafood industry, success1962depends on strong relationships. I believe that effective1963public policy is built through engagement, trust, and shared1964accountability.1965 If confirmed, I will work to ensure that the Commerce1966Department is a reliable partner to Congress and to governments1967at every level. In closing, I am deeply grateful for the1968Committee's consideration of my nomination. I wholeheartedly1969believe in the mission of the Department of Commerce, which is1970to create the conditions for economic growth and opportunity1971for all communities.1972 I look forward to working closely with members of this1973committee to strengthen that mission. Thank you, and I look1974forward to your questions.1975 [The prepared statement and biographical information of Mr.1976Kumar follow:]19771978 Prepared Statement of Harry Kumar, Nominee for Assistant Secretary of1979 Commerce for Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs1980 Chairman Cruz, Ranking Member Cantwell, and distinguished Members1981of the Senate Commerce Committee:19821983 I am honored to appear before you today as the nominee to serve as1984Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Legislative and Intergovernmental1985Affairs. I am deeply grateful to President Trump for my nomination, to1986Secretary Lutnick for confidence in me, and to this Committee for its1987consideration of my nomination.1988 Before I begin, I want to express my deepest gratitude to those1989joining me today, including my parents, whose unwavering support and1990example have profoundly shaped my commitment to public service, and my1991better half, Ali, whose love, encouragement, and support have been my1992foundation throughout this journey. Additionally, I am very grateful to1993have the support of countless family and friends who have helped shape1994my journey to this point.1995 I am a native Texan who was born in Houston and grew up in1996Southeast Texas, in the town of Beaumont. I was fortunate to be raised1997in a community that taught me the value of hard work, humility, and1998service and am forever grateful for the community that helped raise me.1999 I come before you filled with both humility and a strong sense of2000purpose. I believe my accumulated experience--including my prior work2001in Legislative Affairs at the Department of Commerce during President2002Trump's first term and as a staffer in this body--will serve me well in2003faithfully executing the responsibilities of the Assistant Secretary2004Position.2005 In previous roles--across both the legislative and executive2006branches--I have worked to build bipartisan consensus, navigate complex2007environments, and strengthen the relationship between government and2008the communities it serves. If confirmed, I will bring that same2009approach to the Assistant Secretary role grounded in transparency,2010responsiveness, and collaboration.2011 The Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs plays a2012vital role in connecting the Department's work with Congress, state and2013local governments, and tribal partners. If confirmed, I will focus on2014three key priorities:20152016 1. Timely responsiveness--prioritizing clear, proactive2017 communication with members of Congress and their staff.20182019 2. Intergovernmental partnership--deepening coordination with2020 governors, mayors, and tribal leaders to ensure that the2021 opportunities and challenges facing communities are understood2022 by the Commerce Department.20232024 3. Bipartisan collaboration--working across the aisle to achieve the2025 goals shared by all Americans, such as economic growth,2026 revitalizing U.S. manufacturing, and protecting American2027 innovation.20282029 Across the Department's diverse mission--from supporting U.S.2030exporters and small businesses to safeguarding critical supply chains2031and our domestic seafood industry--success depends on strong2032relationships. I believe that effective public policy is built through2033engagement, trust, and shared accountability.2034 If confirmed, I will work to ensure that the Commerce Department is2035a reliable partner to Congress and to governments at every level. That2036includes ensuring timely and accurate information, engaging state and2037local voices in Federal policymaking, and building a culture of2038openness and respect.2039 In closing, I am deeply grateful for the Committee's consideration2040of my nomination. I wholeheartedly believe in the mission of the2041Department of Commerce, which is to create the conditions for economic2042growth and opportunity for all communities, and in the value of2043principled, responsive government. I look forward to working closely2044with members of this Committee to strengthen that mission.2045 Thank you, and I look forward to your questions.2046 ______20472048 a. biographical information2049 1. Name (Include any former names or nicknames used): Harry Haran2050Kumar.2051 2. Position to which nominated: Assistant Secretary for Office of2052Legislative & Intergovernmental Affairs.2053 3. Date of Nomination: 3/10/2025.2054 4. Address (List current place of residence and office addresses):20552056 Residence: Information not released to the public.2057 Office: Information not provided.20582059 5. Date and Place of Birth: 12/15/1987; Houston, Texas.2060 6. Provide the name, position, and place of employment for your2061spouse (if married) or domestic partner, and the names and ages of your2062children (including stepchildren and children by a previous marriage).20632064 Alexandra Jasien, Senior Manager, Chanel.20652066 7. List all college and graduate schools attended, whether or not2067you were granted a degree by the institution. Provide the name of the2068institution, the dates attended, the degree received, and the date of2069the degree.20702071 Texas A&M University, August 2007-May 2010, Bachelor of Arts2072 in Political Science, degree granted in May 2010.20732074 Texas Tech University School of Law, August 2010-May 2013,2075 Doctor of Jurisprudence, degree granted in May 2013.20762077 8. List all post-undergraduate employment, including the job title,2078name of employer, and inclusive dates of employment, and highlight all2079management-level jobs held and any non-managerial jobs that relate to2080the position for which you are nominated.20812082 Public Policy Fellowship, Consumer Energy Alliance (June2083 2011-August 2011)20842085 Attorney, Toeppich & Associates, (September 2013-November2086 2014)20872088 Legislative and Policy Aide, HBW Resources (November 2014-2089 April 2015)20902091 Legislative Counsel for Rep. Randy Weber (April 2015-March2092 2017)20932094 Legislative Assistant for Sen. Marco Rubio (March 2017-2095 November 2019)20962097 Associate Director of Legislative Affairs at Dept of2098 Commerce (November 2019-January 2021)20992100 Director of Government Relations, Li-Cycle (March 2021-2101 January 2025)21022103 Senior Advisor, Department of Commerce (January 2025 to2104 current)21052106 9. Attach a copy of your resume.2107 Attached.2108 10. List any advisory, consultative, honorary, or other part-time2109service or positions with Federal, State, or local governments, other2110than those listed above after 18 years of age.2111 Not applicable.2112 11. List all positions held as an officer, director, trustee,2113partner, proprietor, agent, representative, or consultant of any2114corporation, company, firm, partnership, or other business, enterprise,2115educational, or other institution.2116 Not applicable.2117 12. List all memberships you have had after 18 years of age or2118currently hold with any civic, social, charitable, educational,2119political, professional, fraternal, benevolent or religiously2120affiliated organization, private club, or other membership organization2121(You do not have to list your religious affiliation or membership in a2122religious house of worship or institution). Include dates of membership2123and any positions you have held with any organization. Please note2124whether any such club or organization restricts membership on the basis2125of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, or disability.21262127 Sigma Phi Epsilon, Texas A&M University (April 2008-May2128 2010)2129 American Swiss Foundation (October 2023 to present)21302131 13. Have you ever been a candidate for and/or held a public office2132(elected, non-elected, or appointed)? If so, indicate whether any2133campaign has any outstanding debt, the amount, and whether you are2134personally liable for that debt.2135 Not applicable.2136 14. List all memberships and offices held with and services2137rendered to, whether compensated or not, any political party or2138election committee within the past ten years. If you have held a paid2139position or served in a formal or official advisory position (whether2140compensated or not) in a political campaign within the past ten years,2141identify the particulars of the campaign, including the candidate, year2142of the campaign, and your title and responsibilities.2143 Not applicable.2144 15. Itemize all political contributions to any individual, campaign2145organization, political party, political action committee, or similar2146entity of $200 or more for the past ten years.2147 Not applicable.2148 16. List all scholarships, fellowships, honorary degrees, honorary2149society memberships, military medals, and any other special recognition2150for outstanding service or achievements.2151 Eagle Scout Award Recipient (2006)2152 17. List all books, articles, columns, letters to the editor,2153Internet blog postings, or other publications you have authored,2154individually or with others. Include a link to each publication when2155possible. If a link is not available, provide a digital copy of the2156publication when available.21572158 Article: Developing a Sustainable Advanced-Battery Supply2159 Chain Through Innovative Critical Mineral Recycling, Zero2160 Emission Transportation Association (ZETA), 7/19/2021.21612162 18. List all speeches, panel discussions, and presentations (e.g.,2163PowerPoint) that you have given on topics relevant to the position for2164which you have been nominated. Include a link to each publication when2165possible. If a link is not available, provide a digital copy of the2166speech or presentation when available.21672168 Panel: Better Batteries: Equity & Environmental Impacts2169 Roadmap Conference, 6/29/2022 https://www.roadmapforth.org/2170 RM22/speaker/462287/harry-kumar21712172 Presentation: Annual Meeting, National Association of State2173 Energy Officials, 10/2021. No hyperlink available.21742175 Panel: Unlocking the Value of Secondary Cobalt, Cobalt2176 Congress 5/14/2024. https://www.cobaltinstitute.org/programme-2177 2024/.21782179 19. List all public statements you have made during the past ten2180years, including statements in news articles and radio and podcasts and2181television appearances, which are on topics relevant to the position2182for which you have been nominated, including dates. Include a link to2183each statement when possible. If a link is not available, provide a2184digital copy of the statement when available.2185 Not applicable.2186 20. List all digital platforms (including social media and other2187digital content sites) on which you currently or have formerly operated2188an account, regardless of whether or not the account was held in your2189name or an alias. Include the full name of an ``alias'' or ``handle'',2190including the complete URL and username with hyperlinks, you have used2191on each of the named platforms. Indicate whether the account is active,2192deleted, or dormant. Include a link to each account if possible.21932194 Instagram: @haroldnkumar87; active;2195 https://www.instagram.com/haroldnkumar87/21962197 Facebook: Harry Kumar; active;2198 https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=2743257821992200 Twitter: @harrykumar87; active; https://x.com/HarryKumar8722012202 LinkedIn: Harry Kumar; active; https://www.linkedin.com/in/2203 harry-kumar-29142585/22042205 21. Please identify each instance in which you have testified2206orally or in writing before Congress in a governmental or non-2207governmental capacity and specify the date, committee, and subject2208matter of each testimony.2209 Not applicable.2210 22. Given the current mission, major programs, and major2211operational objectives of the department/agency/commission/corporation2212to which you have been nominated, what in your background or employment2213experience do you believe affirmatively qualifies you for appointment2214to the position for which you have been nominated, and why do you wish2215to serve in that position?2216 I have significant experience in legislative and congressional2217engagement, including prior service at the Department of Commerce in2218the Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs as Associate2219Director. I also have served in the U.S. House of Representatives and2220the U.S. Senate, so I have had the privilege of working in both2221chambers and gaining an understanding of the rules and functions of2222each.2223 23. What do you believe are your responsibilities, if confirmed, to2224ensure that the department/agency/commission/corporation has proper2225management and accounting controls, and what experience do you have in2226managing a large organization?2227 I believe the responsibilities of this position include advising2228the Secretary and members of the Commerce organization on the2229Department's relationships with members of Congress, committees, and2230staff. Proper management includes ensuring that systems are in place to2231track incoming congressional requests and ensuring that communication2232with Congress is always prioritized. My prior experience as Associate2233Director of Legislative Affairs at the Department of Commerce helped me2234gain significant experience in understanding the processes and2235accounting measures needed to ensure the Legislative Affairs Office at2236Commerce is being responsive to Congress and proactive when possible.2237 24. What do you believe to be the top three challenges facing the2238department/agency/commission/corporation, and why?2239 The top three challenges facing the Department are strengthening2240domestic supply chains and economic security, AI and emerging2241technology regulation, and trade policy and global economic2242competition. Regarding domestic supply chains, the U.S. needs to reduce2243its reliance on foreign sources, particularly China, for advanced2244manufacturing like semiconductors and critical minerals.2245 Regarding AI and emerging tech, the Commerce Department plays an2246important role in ensuring a cohesive strategy is implemented to2247promote innovation while balancing against strategic geopolitical risks2248with the use of export controls. Finally, trade policy is an area where2249the Commerce Department plays a leading role in advising the President2250on both trade enforcement and promotion.2251 b. potential conflicts of interest2252 1. Describe all financial arrangements, deferred compensation2253agreements, and other continuing dealings with business associates,2254clients, or customers. Please include information related to retirement2255accounts, such as a 401(k) or pension plan.2256 I have a Schwab investment account and 401k account that is managed2257by Schwab investment advisors. I also have a 401k account from my2258employment with Li-Cycle that is made up of broad-based index2259investments, and I have not had any interaction with that account since2260I started at the Department of Commerce.2261 2. Do you have any commitments or agreements, formal or informal,2262to maintain employment, affiliation, or practice with any business,2263association, or other organization during your appointment? If so,2264please explain. No.2265 3. Indicate any investments, obligations, liabilities, or other2266relationships which could involve potential conflicts of interest in2267the position to which you have been nominated. Explain how you will2268resolve each potential conflict of interest.2269 Not applicable.2270 4. Describe any business relationship, dealing, or financial2271transaction which you have had during the last ten years, whether for2272yourself, on behalf of a client, or acting as an agent, that could in2273any way constitute or result in a possible conflict of interest in the2274position to which you have been nominated. Explain how you will resolve2275each potential conflict of interest.2276 Not applicable.2277 5. Identify any other potential conflicts of interest and explain2278how you will resolve each potential conflict of interest.2279 I have worked with the Office of Government Ethics (OGE) at the2280Department of Commerce to provide a complete list of my prior2281employment and finances. In consultation with OGE, I have recused2282myself from matters pertaining to Li-Cycle where I previously was2283employed and Chanel where my fiancee is currently employed.2284 6. Describe any activity during the past ten years, including the2285names of clients represented, in which you have been engaged for the2286purpose of directly or indirectly influencing the passage, defeat, or2287modification of any legislation or affecting the administration and2288execution of law or public policy.2289 At Li-Cycle, I worked on policy matters related to clean energy and2290battery recycling. This included helping provide oral and written2291feedback on various legislative efforts, including IRA related tax2292provisions. No work was done specifically to influence the passage or2293defeat of any bill but was done on a few occasions to provide Li-2294Cycle's feedback on policy items of interest.2295 c. legal matters2296 1. Have you ever been disciplined or cited for a breach of ethics,2297professional misconduct, or retaliation by, or been the subject of a2298complaint to, any court, administrative agency, the Office of Special2299Counsel, an Inspector General, professional association, disciplinary2300committee, or other professional group? If yes:23012302 a. Provide the name of the court, agency, association, committee, or2303 group;23042305 b. Provide the date the citation, disciplinary action, complaint, or2306 personnel action was issued or initiated;23072308 c. Describe the citation, disciplinary action, complaint, or2309 personnel action;23102311 d. Provide the results of the citation, disciplinary action,2312 complaint, or personnel action.23132314 Not applicable.2315 2. Have you ever been investigated, arrested, charged, or held by2316any Federal, State, or other law enforcement authority of any Federal,2317State, county, municipal, or foreign government entity, other than for2318a minor traffic offense? If so, please explain.2319 Yes, I received citations for a minor in possession of2320 alcohol and for public intoxication in 2007. I was having a2321 beer on a friend's dock at a lake house and game wardens saw us2322 and gave us citations. For my public intoxication ticket, an2323 officer noticed I was under the influence and arrested me. I2324 was charged public intoxication but received deferred2325 adjudication after completing a required alcohol awareness2326 class and community service.2327 3. Have you or any business or nonprofit of which you are or were2328an officer ever been involved as a party in an administrative agency2329proceeding, criminal proceeding, or civil litigation? If so, please2330explain. None.2331 4. Have you ever been convicted (including pleas of guilty or nolo2332contendere) of any criminal violation other than a minor traffic2333offense? If so, please explain.2334 None besides the above mentioned.2335 5. Have you ever been accused, formally or informally, of sexual2336assault, sexual harassment, or discrimination on the basis of sex,2337race, religion, or any other basis? If so, please explain. None.2338 6. Please advise the Committee of any additional information,2339favorable or unfavorable, which you feel should be disclosed in2340connection with your nomination. None.2341 d. relationship with committee2342 1. Will you ensure that your department/agency/commission/2343corporation complies with deadlines for information set by2344congressional committees, and that your department/agency/commission/2345corporation endeavors to timely comply with requests for information2346from individual Members of Congress, including requests from members in2347the minority? Yes.2348 2. Will you ensure that your department/agency/commission/2349corporation does whatever it can to protect congressional witnesses and2350whistleblowers from reprisal for their testimony and disclosures? Yes.2351 3. Will you cooperate in providing the Committee with requested2352witnesses, including technical experts and career employees, with2353firsthand knowledge of matters of interest to the Committee? Yes.2354 4. Are you willing to appear and testify before any duly2355constituted committee of the Congress on such occasions as you may be2356reasonably requested to do so? Yes.23572358 The Chairman. Thank you very much. Dr. Jacobs let's start2359with you. You and I discussed at length yesterday the flooding2360that occurred in Texas and the tragedy that unfolded. As the2361head of NOAA, which oversees the National Weather service, if2362confirmed, what will you do to better ensure that Americans are2363aware of and able to respond to emergency weather warnings,2364especially those that arrive in the middle of the night?2365 Mr. Jacobs. Thank you for the question. As I said in my2366opening statement, numerical weather prediction and advancing2367that is a top priority. And, you know, the Weather Service did2368a great job, but there is a lot of things I would love to2369improve, obviously weather forecasting being one of them. I2370would also love to advance and modernize NOAA Weather Radio.2371 NOAA Weather Radio saved my life in 1996. There are a lot2372of other things we can do as far as communications, because as2373you said, even if the forecast is perfect, getting the warnings2374to the people, particularly at late hours of the night, is a2375challenge. I think we can do more advancements, moving away2376from copper wire, moving toward telecom, potentially satellite,2377to send out these messages. We also need more data in doing2378post-storm assessments.2379 One of the things that I have envisioned, because I have2380worked on several aviation accidents with NTSB, is something2381along the lines of what they do, but for weather disasters.2382Because we need the data to understand what went right, what2383went wrong, whether people got the warnings, if they did or2384didn't. And if they did, did they not understand them.2385 The Chairman. You mentioned that NOAA Weather Radio had2386saved your life. Would you elaborate on that and tell us what2387happened?2388 Mr. Jacobs. I was at a campsite in Florida with some2389friends, and it issued a tornado alert. And it was about 102390p.m., and this was back before I had a cell phone or2391smartphone, and I took out a gazetteer.2392 And I looked at the towns that it mentioned along the way,2393and I extrapolated the direction, which was right over where I2394knew we were. And so, I drove around the campsite and held my2395horn down and told as many people as I could to leave, and2396everyone left.2397 We went further down the coast to a hospital and went into2398the emergency room because it was the closest brick building.2399When we went back to the campsite, it was nothing but bare2400dirt.2401 The Chairman. Wow. In 2017, Hurricane Harvey devastated2402entire communities all up and down Texas' Gulf Coast. The2403damage to our state was well over $120 billion and may prove to2404be closer to $180 billion when all is said and done.2405 Texans prepare for hurricanes and flooding by using NOAA's2406weather forecasts. But European numerical weather prediction2407models have been outperforming U.S. models in forecasting. It2408is a question for both Dr. Jacobs and Mr. Jordan. If confirmed,2409how do you plan to close the gap and ensure that NOAA's2410forecasts are the best in the world?2411 Mr. Jacobs. Closing the gap is going to require a mix of2412collecting more and better observations because these2413prediction are initial value problems. They all start from2414better observations. And then data assimilation. So, joint2415effort for data integration and data assimilation system.2416 One of the reasons why the Europeans have a better model2417than the U.S. is they use four dimensional variational data2418assimilation. The U.S. needs to advance its data assimilation2419where it can also consolidate its modeling systems across2420resolutions of time and space.2421 The Chairman. Mr. Jordan.2422 Mr. Jordan. I agree with Dr. Jacobs. So of the pillars of2423creating a weather forecast, you have model code development,2424you have observations, you have data assimilation, and you have2425supercomputing or HPC to run the forecasts.2426 As far as observation goes, we absolutely need to push the2427technology stack forward and ingest new sources of data but,2428you know, the Europeans also have that same data. So, you know,2429what is the difference between the American modeling and the2430European modeling? It is--part of it is model code development2431and data assimilation.2432 And I think we need a targeted investment into data2433assimilation to make sure that we can push that ball forward2434and have a better weather forecast.2435 The Chairman. Dr. Jacobs, one of the things you and I2436talked about yesterday was your vision for expanding cloud2437computing for weather forecasting. Can you describe what you2438envision there?2439 Mr. Jacobs. Sure. So, one of the things that I think is--2440would be a tremendous leap forward for the National Weather2441Service is the system that they process the information on2442called AWIPS, they have to download the data locally.2443 And the higher resolution files get, whether it is data or2444model output, the longer it takes them to get that information.2445That is one issue. The other issue is they have to be behind2446the computer to do this work.2447 And I think transitioning this software to the cloud so2448they are actually uploading the code instead of downloading the2449data, as well as having the ability to have a laptop so they2450can access it from anywhere, it not only improves their ability2451to get the data faster, but it would allow a forecaster from2452anywhere to do a forecast for anywhere.2453 The Chairman. And so, you were saying this would enable2454forecasters from the National Weather Service to embed an2455emergency operations center and be right there on the ground in2456a crisis?2457 Mr. Jacobs. Correct. Yes, they don't--they could literally2458work from anywhere. And so, embedding in the emergency2459management centers, particularly during major weather events,2460would be really advantageous.2461 The Chairman. OK, last question. It is an ongoing problem,2462particularly in South Texas, dealing with illegal Mexican2463fishermen, lanchas coming in and illegally fishing Texas red2464snapper. The Coast Guard fights against it. The Federal2465Government fights against. This illegal fishing is actually2466paid for by Mexican drug cartels in many instances. Dr. Jacobs,2467what more can NOAA do to combat the problem of illegal fishing2468in Texas?2469 Mr. Jacobs. I appreciate the question. IUU fishing is2470another top priority of mine. As you know, just recently, 402471tons of red snapper were seized at a port in Brazil that were2472headed toward the U.S. As well as this last April, around 7002473pounds of red snapper was seized just off of Brownsville from2474Mexican fishermen that were illegally fishing in U.S. waters. I2475think it is a mix of new technology. There are ways, when these2476boats turn off their transponders, to track them through2477satellites.2478 I also think as part of combating IUU, the Seafood2479Inspection Monitoring Program, beefing up that, actually2480looking at potentially--not just for like fishing, but like2481aquaculture things like shrimp that are brought into the U.S. A2482lot of people aren't aware, but almost all that shrimp is2483mislabeled. So, understanding the origins of the seafood.2484 The Chairman. Thank you very much. Ranking Member Cantwell.2485 Senator Cantwell. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Following up a2486little bit on your line of questioning since you approached2487this. Certainly, Dr. Jacobs, as I mentioned in my opening2488statement, I am concerned about the 27 percent budget cuts, and2489particularly the Atmospheric--the Oceanic and Atmospheric2490Research Organization itself and the people.2491 But to get this right, following on Senator Cruz's2492questioning, you know, we had a less tragic event, but no less2493tragic event, out on the Olympic Peninsula. The NOAA Weather2494Forecast Service said, no, you don't need a Doppler. And we are2495like, yes, we do, because we have a mountain range that is2496blocking the information. The NOAA Weather Service said, no,2497you don't, and we said, yes we do. And then we had 100 year2498event that killed people and did unbelievable damage, and all2499of a sudden the NOAA Weather Forecaster said, yes, we are going2500to help you.2501 Actually, we helped get the Doppler. Now, we still have a2502community that we have information. But guess what? Every day2503we live there with the threat of a tsunami, and we have built a2504tower, but that is it. There is no real coordination with that2505community. I mean, the bottom line here is we have beautiful2506places around the United States of America, and people want to2507go visit them and live there--and they do.2508 But guess what? They are not the most resourced communities2509in our country. Then the question becomes, what do we do to2510provide the emergency response, whether it is fire, or2511hurricane, or tsunami, you know, or tornado--what do we do?2512Now, you mentioned the radio, and I want to get to that2513communication level.2514 But I want to start with just the basic research. Because2515at that same event, when we got the Doppler and we got tower, I2516said, so now we are done, right? And they were like, no, we are2517not done. I said well, why is that? They said, Senator, because2518every particle in a storm is its own algorithm, and we could be2519computing this, and we could tell you two weeks in advance what2520the storm is likely to do if we put in the supercomputing time.2521 So I have no idea why in heck our Nation lets the European2522model get ahead of us. I have no idea why we do this when all2523we need to do is use Senator Blackburn's supercomputing time at2524their national lab and put the resources behind it. So let's2525start with that. Should we be putting more resources into2526super-computing time so we can predict storms further out?2527 Mr. Jacobs. Well, obviously, high performance2528supercomputer--these physics based algorithms need a lot of it.2529And one of the things, one of priorities of mine is advancing2530numerical weather prediction.2531 But the reason why--one the reasons why the American model2532was lagging the European model was not just lack of compute,2533but the code wasn't architected to run on certain computers.2534 Senator Cantwell. We are going to let somebody else--I am2535not letting somebody else out code us. OK, trust me. Coming2536from Seattle, I am not letting--that is--we--this is all2537doable. It is about whether----2538 Mr. Jacobs. Oh, I agree.2539 Senator Cantwell.--we have the resources and the2540investment. And I am saying, let's make the investment. Let's--2541--2542 Mr. Jacobs. I agree.2543 Senator Cantwell. And you agree is what I am trying to get2544at. You agree, let's put the investment into this.2545 Mr. Jacobs. High performance computing, cloud-based high2546performance computing is critically important. Another thing I2547would like to point out is once we transition that code to2548architectures that even industry could run, now we have private2549industry investing in developing the same code.2550 Senator Cantwell. OK. Look, I am all for that, but I want2551you to maintain your role. And I think that the difference here2552is--and we do that. Believe it or not, the University of2553Washington has probably helped this community plan for an2554eventual tsunami more than anybody has because they have2555outlined. So it comes to the second point, which I just want to2556drill down on, because we are having this problem now with not2557having these forecasters.2558 The fire situation I mentioned, we woke up one day and2559looked--the meteorologist from NOAA said, oh, I am over in2560Seattle and this all--this is, you know, here's--a totally2561different picture. Central Washington, because they didn't have2562a meteorologist in that region on the ground, predicted2563something else and sent people out.2564 Sent people out and they died, and because the fire was too2565volatile given the high winds. So we have been a big believer2566in having that local meteorologist and having that coordination2567when you know what the local weather event is going to be. So2568you are not suggesting that we can do all of this some sort--2569regionally or through the private sector?2570 Mr. Jacobs. No, no, no.2571 Senator Cantwell. OK. I want to clarify this because this2572is what is going on now when we shortchange resources. And I2573don't want for fire season to be shortchanging resources. These2574events come up in very dramatic form and can happen, and we2575need the accuracy.2576 And the last thing is, I want to see--I hope, given all of2577my experiences, and we also, you know, we have had a lot of2578natural disasters in the State of Washington. We had the Oso2579mudslide, which also killed 40 people. A lot less planning to2580do there, but weather event information could have probably put2581data out to the community.2582 But the point is, somewhere we all, we all collectively,2583have to come to a conclusion about what we are going to do when2584we have massive populations in communities that you actually2585have to have an implementation plan. So whose responsibility is2586that implementation plan?2587 And so, we see it all the time because the gap--NOAA says,2588OK, well, I am going to give you the information, and then it2589is a rural community, and they don't have the plan. So, as I2590said, University of Washington is filling that gap.2591 So, what can we do now that we have had 27 extreme events2592this year, what can we to help communities get better plans?2593 Mr. Jacobs. Well, going back to your Weather Service2594question, if confirmed, I will ensure that staffing the Weather2595Service Office is its top priority. It is really important for2596the people to be there because they have relationships with the2597people in the local community. They are a trusted source. I2598didn't mean to imply that this was going to be regionalized or2599anything. As I mentioned----2600 Senator Cantwell. Well, some people have suggested that the2601private sector, you could just do it in one location. And I am2602just trying to get to this point that this regional data and2603integration with the emergency responders is critical.2604 Mr. Jacobs. Oh, consolidating the data, not consolidating2605the people. I would love for the people to be more embedded in2606the community.2607 Senator Cantwell. Thank you. Thank you for that answer.2608Could you just tell me about stock assessment as in salmon and2609pac-surf, and your commitment to that?2610 Mr. Jacobs. Stock assessment is obviously a huge priority2611of mine. If confirmed, I will do everything I can to get them2612back on track. I realize that it is a sensitive issue because2613without the quotas set properly from the stock assessment data,2614the fishermen can't fish. It is a very important priority.2615 Senator Cantwell. And pac-surf?2616 Mr. Jacobs. Yes. Pacific salmon, obviously critical to the2617culture, the economy, has my support. You know, if confirmed, I2618would welcome the opportunity to advocate for this.2619 Senator Cantwell. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.2620 The Chairman. Thank you. Senator Moran.26212622 STATEMENT OF HON. JERRY MORAN,2623 U.S. SENATOR FROM KANSAS26242625 Senator Moran. Mr. Chairman, thank you. And Kansans, we are2626all glued to the television, listening to the news, watching2627what transpired in Texas this weekend with great care and2628compassion, concern, and sympathy. And I share that with my2629fellow Kansans. We are not immune from significant weather2630events ourselves.2631 One of those weather events, Dr. Jacobs or Mr. Jordan,2632occurred in Kansas about a month ago. It was an EF3 tornado.2633When that tornado occurred, the Weather Forecast Offices in2634Kansas and across the country, some of them lacked 24/72635coverage given hiring freezes.2636 I worked with NOAA and the Department of Commerce to lift2637that Federal hiring freeze for meteorologists and other2638specialists to ensure uninterrupted service. Goodland, Kansas,2639which is on the Colorado line, the Western part of our state,2640was short meteorologists because of the hiring freeze, and we2641are bringing in or attempting to bring in other meteorologists2642from other National Weather Service Stations, Forecast Offices.2643I am pleased the freeze has been lifted.2644 Today's Politico Magazine has an article about that none of2645those positions have been posted for hiring. I don't know the2646veracity of that article, but can you bring any light to that2647in your past experience, or what needs to take place once the2648hiring freeze is lifted, but the positions are not yet filled?2649 Mr. Jacobs. I don't know the exact details of why that is2650because I am not there yet, but I really appreciate you2651advocating to lift the hiring freeze and getting that done. I2652also appreciate your legislation to classify them as public2653safety.2654 It is not a very quick process, but it is my understanding2655that the National Weather Service has direct hiring authority,2656which could expedite that. And also the potential to relocate2657people. So if confirmed, like I said, getting these offices2658staffed up will be a top priority.2659 Senator Moran. Well, Dr. Jacobs, if you see any opportunity2660for me and others on this committee, or in our Appropriations2661process to help speed that along, please let me know.2662 And I was going to highlight for you what you already2663mentioned. Senator Peters, also a member of this committee, and2664an appropriator, we have introduced legislation, as you2665mentioned. And I appreciate your statement of support, as well2666as Mr. Jordan's head nodding.2667 So, thank you. What can I--what could you tell me about the2668technology and capabilities? We have four weather forecast2669offices in Kansas--Topeka, Dodge City, Goodland, and Wichita.2670 Would I expect that they would have the best technologies2671that are available and utilized across the country, or is there2672something different about rural Kansas, rural America that2673would diminish the capabilities that our forecasters have2674because of technology and equipment?2675 Mr. Jacobs. I don't believe there is anything unique to2676your region that would limit the technologies or capabilities.2677 My hope is that a lot of these technologies that would2678advance this are not just nationwide, but global, because as we2679transition to a larger scale model, a global modeling system to2680lengthen the forecast horizon, we are going to need these2681technologies collecting data worldwide.2682 Senator Moran. That is one of my goals in light of what has2683transpired on a number of occasions and--is to make certain2684that all Weather National Forecast Centers have the latest,2685best technologies, and would work with you and NOAA to achieve2686that. We are also interested in NOAA and NWS radars that are2687nearing their end of their life.2688 Several efforts are underway to recapitalize the system,2689including next gen--next generation radar. In addition to that,2690the hurricane hunter aircraft are essential tools for2691preparation for and preparing for severe weather and are in2692need of significant maintenance repair and overhaul or2693replacement.2694 Would you plan, as NOAA Administrator, to ensure these2695critical instruments are upgraded and replaced?2696 Mr. Jacobs. Yes.2697 Senator Moran. And let me turn to Mr. Kumar. You have had2698no questions this morning. You must be a good bridge builder. I2699noticed for your alma maters are two universities in the State2700of Texas that I know are not necessarily friendly to each2701other.2702 So, I look forward to you using those circumstances to2703allow Congress and the Administration to work well together,2704and Republicans and Democrats to reach good conclusions. What I2705want to highlight for you is the Department of Commerce,2706including NOAA, has not completed its spend plan for this2707current fiscal year, last year's fiscal year.2708 So the appropriators do not have the data that is required2709by law for the Department of Commerce to provide us. And I2710would encourage you, if confirmed, to see if you can make that2711happen. And it is useful for us, certainly in our oversight of2712the Department of Commerce, but also in helping make decisions2713about where to make investments and what is taking place at the2714Department.2715 So would you commit to me that you would see that the2716Department of Commerce, including NOAA, follows the law. And2717that the spend plan, to the detail that it is required by law2718to be provided to the Appropriations Committee, will be2719provided?2720 Mr. Kumar. Thank you for the question, Senator. Yes, I2721understand fully the importance of spend plans. And if2722confirmed, I will make sure to work with you and your office to2723ensure that you all are given the appropriate information as2724requested.2725 Senator Moran. Thank you. Thank you all very much.2726 The Chairman. Thank you. Senator Kim.27272728 STATEMENT OF HON. ANDY KIM,2729 U.S. SENATOR FROM NEW JERSEY27302731 Senator Kim. Thank you, Chairman. And Chairman, I just want2732to start by just expressing my deep sadness for the tragedy in2733Texas. Just really horrific. And as I am a parent of a, you2734know, 7-year-old and 9-year-old, kids that are going to camp2735this summer, I mean, I know so many parents and families are--2736you know, are just so heartbroken and feel shattered by what2737has happened.2738 And I express the urgency of trying to figure out not only2739how we can better predict and have an early warning system, but2740how to get that information out to people as quickly as2741possible. In my home state in New Jersey, you know, we suffered2742from Superstorm Sandy, from Hurricane Ida, other things like2743that.2744 Dr. Jacobs, you and I talked about this briefly but, you2745know, just building on what you talked to the Chairman and2746others about, these early warning systems, there has been talk2747about even using--you know, even just using sirens similar to2748what we have done for tornadoes in this country.2749 As far as I know, we don't--do you know of any usage of2750sirens when it comes to flooding in the United States at this2751point?2752 Mr. Jacobs. Not to my knowledge. But I do know that some2753systems that have been deployed in Spain and France, they2754essentially network a flow meter to a siren, and if the flow2755rate exceeds a certain amount, it triggers a siren. Depending2756on where the upstream rain falls and the rate of rain rate, it2757doesn't give you a whole lot of lead time, but it is certainly2758better than nothing.2759 Senator Kim. Even just a few seconds or a few minutes can2760make a huge difference. Is that something you would work with2761us here in Congress to think through and figure out how best to2762be able to deploy some of this?2763 Mr. Jacobs. Absolutely.2764 Senator Kim. Another part of this in terms of being able to2765understand where flooding might happen and what communities are2766most vulnerable is about hydrological modeling. And, you know,2767I worry about this because in New Jersey, we have had concerns2768about whether or not we are up to date with the latest2769modeling.2770 A lot of the models that we have seen sometimes use2771outdated data from decades ago. There has been talk about2772trying to invest in LiDAR technology. And I would like to get2773your thoughts on that, as well as whether or not that is2774something for the Federal Government to be able to take on?2775 Mr. Jacobs. I agree. I believe this is a Federal mission. A2776lot of it right now, the capability is state by state. So some2777states have more sophisticated data and flood inundation2778mapping than others.2779 Hydrological modeling is extremely challenging and2780technical because you are essentially using one model to2781initialize another. So the hydrological model could be perfect2782in its equations, and if the atmospheric model puts the2783rainstorm in the wrong place, then the secondary model is not2784going to be right.2785 So that is critical. But the hydrological models to be2786successful need the most updated digital elevation. And the2787only way I know to really get that data as accurate as possible2788is through LiDAR. So I think having access to LiDAR data to2789optimize that and having a nationwide flood inundation mapping2790capability would be very, very helpful.2791 Senator Kim. So it doesn't seem to make sense to me that we2792would have each state do their own, right. I mean, it could2793create so much asymmetry in the data. But having like a2794baseline Federal hydrological data that we can draw from, does2795that make sense to you? Am I thinking about it right?2796 Mr. Jacobs. It does make sense. And, you know, if the2797capability stops at the state border but the roads don't and2798you need to deploy assets on the other side of the state2799border, you need actually have that information.2800 Senator Kim. Especially when it comes to hurricanes, often2801affecting multiple states simultaneously. Am I correct that we2802don't necessarily have modeling that combines both the2803forecasting for hurricanes, as well with the hydrological data?2804We don't have modeling that combines the two, which seems like2805that would be incredibly important. Is that correct?2806 Mr. Jacobs. It is. So I will give you a great example of2807Hurricane Florence that made landfall in the Carolinas a few2808years ago.2809 It put down almost 36 inches of rain, but it also was in2810one place for almost 3 days, and so you have that storm surge,2811and the water from the rain can't drain East because the winds2812are pushing it West.2813 And those two models, the storm surge model and the2814hydrological models from the rainfall, need to be coupled.2815 Senator Kim. Yes. I want to switch gears here. I would like2816to just read a sentence here and get your thoughts on it. It is2817a quote, ``it is extremely likely that human activities,2818especially emissions of greenhouse gasses, are the dominant2819cause of the observed warming since the mid-20th century.2820 For the warming over the last century, there is no2821convincing alternative explanation supported by the extent of2822the observational evidence.'' I just wanted to get your2823thoughts if you agree with that statement or not.2824 Mr. Jacobs. Well, obviously, there is a lot of natural2825signals that are mixed in there, too. And so, in the absence of2826any natural signals that might dominate that, yes, sir, there2827is human influences certainly there.2828 Senator Kim. So you see human influence being part of the2829concern when it comes to climate change, when it comes to2830extreme weather?2831 Mr. Jacobs. Yes, there is influence.2832 Senator Kim. Yes. I think it is important for us to just be2833able to think that through, because as we are trying to assess2834predictions and trying to do forecasts, it is important to2835understand causality.2836 And we are just trying to understand what is causing the2837warming of ocean temperatures that affect hurricane strength2838and other aspects of this. So I just want to continue to make2839sure that we are pushing this forward.2840 We are letting science drive our decisionmaking in so many2841ways. So I hope that that is something you can commit to if you2842are confirmed. Thank you, and I yield back.2843 Senator Blunt Rochester [presiding]. Thank you, Senator2844Kim. Senator Blackburn, you are recognized.28452846 STATEMENT OF HON. MARSHA BLACKBURN,2847 U.S. SENATOR FROM TENNESSEE28482849 Senator Blackburn. Thank you. I appreciate that, and2850congratulations to each of you on your nominations. I know you2851will get through this process, and we look forward to having2852you confirmed and getting hard to work for the American people.2853 Mr. Jordan, I want to come to you. And Senator Cantwell2854mentioned Oak Ridge National Lab. The supercomputing capacity,2855the fastest in the country. And of course, NOAA and Oak Ridge2856have had a partnership that they have been working on that--2857trying to do some modeling on predictions for disasters and2858severe weather events.2859 And I think that these collaborations are important for the2860American people and for helping us to come past some of these2861extreme weather events and to be able to avoid some of the2862catastrophes that we have seen. We all are grieving for those2863families in Texas, and what a catastrophic loss.2864 And then we, just late September last year, when Hurricane2865Helene stalled out there between North Carolina and Tennessee,2866and we had eight counties in Tennessee, we had rivers cresting2867as high as 29 feet, 20 feet, 19 feet, 15 feet, and tremendous2868loss of life. And we are still reeling, and the rebuilding is2869taking place.2870 Debris removal is still taking place. So the impact is felt2871for years and years. It takes so much time to recover. So I2872want to return to some of these partnerships that can help us,2873and I would like for you to talk a little bit about how you2874would prioritize partnerships like the one between NOAA and Oak2875Ridge National Labs so that we are better able to predict what2876is taking place?2877 Mr. Jordan. Thank you for the question, Senator. So I2878agree, the partnership with Oak Ridge and NOAA is a very2879important one. And I look forward to working with you and the2880Committee and NOAA to strengthen that partnership so that we2881can utilize the expertise at Oak Ridge to run our models and do2882the research to make sure we have the best forecast. And then2883again, as you were mentioning, push that information to local2884decisionmakers to take action. We need to----2885 Senator Blackburn. OK. And drill down for a minute on that2886data transfer to these local EMS, these local first responders.2887They are always the first ones that show up. It is followed by2888the State, and then followed by the Federal Government. But2889drill down on that partnership.2890 Mr. Jordan. Absolutely. So thank you for that. So it is2891important to, again, get as close as possible to the local2892emergency managers, and in some instances, weather service2893employees embed with emergency managers because they have the2894local expertise to know specifics of topography and how things2895can be affected.2896 Senator Blackburn. So you would encourage that embedding?2897 Mr. Jordan. Yes, Senator.2898 Senator Blackburn. OK. Thank you. Dr. Jacobs, I want to2899come to you. Memphis, the lower Mississippi River is the2900lifeblood of barge traffic and port commerce, not only for2901Tennessee, but also the entire mid-South, and the Mississippi2902River area.2903 How would you ensure NOAA's forecasting tools for river2904navigation services and data, such as water level forecasts,2905sediment mapping, navigation charts, and so that they are2906supporting the needs of the ports and the barge operators in2907the lower Mississippi River?2908 Mr. Jacobs. Thank you for the question. So the Ocean2909Service does an amazing job with their PORTS Program, as well2910as running a lot of models.2911 So River Forecast Centers, the National Water Center run2912the water models for this. And there is a lot of development on2913coastal model, as well as the gap sensors. I myself spend a lot2914of time using their data with my boat. So it is very, very2915important--very high priority.2916 Senator Blackburn. OK. And I have one other question for2917you. Senator Cruz and I wrote to NOAA urging it to recognize2918the critical role of undersea cables and their necessity in our2919communications infrastructure.2920 And the cables undergo rigorous State and Federal2921permitting, as you are well aware, and they have proven time2922and again to have a minimal environmental footprint. So in2923response to those concerns, NOAA instituted a two-year pause on2924special use permits for submarine cables in newly designated2925marine sanctuaries so that it could review the category.2926 And in line with this Administration's efforts to2927streamline permitting, do you agree that NOAA should2928permanently exempt undersea cable deployment, maintenance, and2929repair from duplicative sanctuary-specific permitting2930requirements that risk delaying infrastructure deployment and2931undermining our national resilience?2932 Mr. Jacobs. Thank you for the question. Because I am not2933there, I don't have access to that information. But if2934confirmed, I would definitely love to learn more about it and2935support the priorities as best I can.2936 Senator Blackburn. Thank you. I yield back.29372938 STATEMENT OF HON. LISA BLUNT ROCHESTER,2939 U.S. SENATOR FROM DELAWARE29402941 Senator Blunt Rochester. Thank you, Senator Blackburn. And2942I now recognize myself. First of all, thank you so much to the2943nominees for being here and your families. Dr. Jacob, great2944conversation yesterday.2945 I didn't share with you, but I assume you know this. I2946represent Delaware, which is the lowest mean elevation State in2947the country. So for us, Delawareans are deeply, deeply2948concerned about rising sea levels, inland flooding and, like2949the rest of the country, extreme heat. It doesn't appear these2950things are going away.2951 And so to me, it is vitally important the conversation you2952had with Senator Kim about making sure that this is science-2953based and that we recognize the impacts of climate change are a2954priority. And as I did share, I am concerned about cuts to2955NOAA.2956 Gutting NOAA is a costly mistake that Americans will pay2957the price through rising home insurance rates, destroyed2958communities, and in some cases, their lives. And again, I hope2959there is a real focus on this, and that NOAA gets the support2960that it needs.2961 And as the Ranking Member of the Coast Guard, Maritime, and2962Fishery Subcommittee, I understand the role that NOAA plays in2963safeguarding our marine ecosystems, supporting our coastal2964communities, and enforcing laws against illegal, unreported,2965and unregulated, or IUU, fishing. Right now, NOAA's capacity to2966do this work is under serious threat.2967 The Office of Marine and Aviation Operations is currently2968short 180 mariners, and without an exemption from the hiring2969freeze, as was discussed, 30 percent of NOAA's research fleet2970will remain docked this summer.2971 In a recent subcommittee hearing on IUU fishing, I asked2972the witnesses, Democrats and Republicans, what the impact of a297330 percent cut to NOAA's enforcement would mean for tracking2974and prosecuting illegal activity on the high seas, and the2975responses that all of them painted were very bleak.2976 Dr. Jacobs, what is your plan to mitigate this loss of2977operational capacity, and how will you ensure NOAA can deliver2978on its scientific mission with such a reduced fleet?2979 Mr. Jacobs. Thank you for the question. So I definitely2980understand your concerns, and I think it is--you know, if2981confirmed, I will get in there and really take a look at the2982staffing levels, because there is a difference between the wage2983mariners and the law enforcement when it comes to IUU fishing.2984 And I also understand that the issue with the wage mariners2985and not having the hiring freeze lift is challenging,2986particularly in this market because it is so competitive with2987industry for the same jobs.2988 So my approach, if confirmed, would be to focus on making2989sure that we try to get the wage mariner situation sorted out,2990as well as looking at other options, potentially autonomous2991vehicles to do certain fish surveys if we can use those2992instead. So would definitely appreciate working with you on2993this.2994 Senator Blunt Rochester. Look forward to it as well. Mr.2995Kumar, as the nominee of the Office of Legislative Affairs, you2996will serve as the primary liaison to Congress. It is such an2997important role.2998 And one of your core functions is to ensure timely and2999substantive responses as we exercise our oversight role on3000behalf of the American people. I have to say I have been3001frustrated by the lack of response of letters that I have sent.3002 In the last six months, I have sent eight letters to the3003Secretary of Commerce on a variety of topics, from the3004implementation of the Broadband Equity Access Deployment3005Program to the abrupt restructuring of the Minority Business3006Development Agency.3007 But I haven't received a substantive response yet. I am3008just going to ask, are you familiar with the letters that we3009sent to the Department?3010 Mr. Kumar. Thank you for the question, Senator. Yes, I am3011at a high level, yes.3012 Senator Blunt Rochester. At a high level. And I wanted to3013know when do you think I could receive a response or do you--is3014this going to be a priority of your job?3015 Mr. Kumar. Yes. If confirmed, you know, as I said in my3016opening statement, I understand fully the importance of timely3017information being provided back to the Committee and its3018members. I know MBDA, I know there is broad active litigation3019going on, but even in those instances, I would like to at least3020be able to communicate what we can and can't say on a matter3021and making sure you are getting information back.3022 Senator Blunt Rochester. So I brought the letters with me,3023so I will give them to you afterwards, because I would really3024love some substantive responses, not the kind of form letter3025response.3026 Would love to follow up with you on that, should you be3027confirmed. And Dr. Jacobs, just to pivot back to seafood fraud3028and mislabeling. I have some questions for you, but what3029specific tech steps would you take to strengthen NOAA's efforts3030to combat seafood fraud? And what role should technology,3031traceability, and interagency enforcement play in the efforts?3032 Mr. Jacobs. Well, as far as technology goes, one of the3033things that I found pretty interesting is a lot of these3034vessels, and sometimes they are flagged under other nations,3035will be fishing in our EEZ. They will turn off their3036transponders, come in, illegally fish our waters, and then go3037back out.3038 And we can actually see them on satellite imagery. So there3039is a way to trace them down. And working potentially with the3040Navy and the Coast Guard on this I think would be great. As far3041as the actual import monitoring, one of the things that I have3042been interested in is actually doing genetic analysis on3043certain seafood products because we can trace the origins of it3044then.3045 Senator Blunt Rochester. I want to end with something we3046discussed in my office, which was the Sea Grant Program. I3047think it is a vitally important program, particularly for3048communities across this country, including U.S., Puerto Rico,3049Guam. It is one of those things that really helps the3050communities. You talked about the big data.3051 If we have the data but people don't understand how they3052can apply it and use it, how it could help with economic3053development, how it can help with resiliency and making sure3054that our communities are safe, it does us no good. And so, in3055our meeting, I was pleased to hear you say ``this program is3056awesome.'' Those were your words, awesome.3057 And so, I am imploring you to make sure that this program3058protected, because again, it does so much for our local3059communities, for our business opportunities, and really to make3060sure that folks are safe. And so, I thank you for that. I am3061actually going to yield back time myself, and I will follow up3062with additional questions. But I will now recognize Senator3063Capito.30643065 STATEMENT OF HON. SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO,3066 U.S. SENATOR FROM WEST VIRGINIA30673068 Senator Capito. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you all for3069being here, for your willingness to serve. And I would like to3070start with Dr. Jacobs. Thank you again for our meeting3071yesterday and our previous meetings in past years.3072 We talked about NOAA's Environmental Security Computing3073Center, NESCC, in Fairmont, West Virginia at the Tech Park, in3074the I-79 Tech Park. And as you know that center received $1003075million for the high-performance computer called Raya to3076support NOAA's widespread adoption of AI.3077 The I-79 Tech Park in Fairmont is a unique asset for NOAA3078and the broader adoption of AI, and the Park houses the3079supercomputing operation with the high-performance computers3080named Hera and Raya. I like that they are female names, but3081that is just me. And Raya should be operational by 2020.3082 I won't ask you to comment on that. Raya will be3083operational in 2026. What is your vision? Obviously, we hear AI3084in every single aspect of testimony, no matter what we are3085talking about, whether it is finances or health care or3086whatever, and we see this also in--at NOAA. How do you feel--3087what is your vision for the institutionalization of AI at NOAA,3088and how would you use these assets that I have referenced?3089 Mr. Jacobs. Very much appreciate the question. And it is3090great to see that HPC finally get installed and operational.3091Because the last time I was at NOAA, we actually got half of3092that data center built out. I think there is a lot of3093opportunity with AI everywhere, from like improving some stock3094assessments and fisheries, to also in numerical weather3095prediction.3096 So right now, there are AI-based models that just3097completely replicate the entire modeling system. They are3098trained on the physics-based model, so there is still a need to3099run the physics-based models.3100 But there is also aspects of AI that can be used inside the3101physics based-models, where the AI systems replicate some of3102these physical algorithms. And the exciting thing to me is,3103they can do it in a fraction of a second.3104 So what 5 years ago would take 30, 40 minutes, we can do3105now in a second or two. And I think doing a lot of that3106development work, particularly on that system, would be a3107really good use of it.3108 Senator Capito. Well, thank you. Do you feel that NOAA has3109the support to have a sufficient procurement process now to3110assess the quality data sets and improve the data storage? We3111talked about going to the cloud and a lot of other things the3112other day. Do you like the procurement system is going to allow3113NOAA to move in this direction as rapidly as it needs to be?3114 Mr. Jacobs. I mean, so there is an interesting dynamic, I3115think, unfolding because a lot of the data that NOAA has is3116really sought after by private industry. And the data that NOAA3117has is obviously freely available to the public, but private3118industry may pay a cloud service provider to crunch the3119numbers.3120 So when we would process the data on an HPC system, and3121then host it in a data center like a commercial cloud service3122provider, they are actually offering to host the data for--and3123sometimes free. Petabytes of free storage, and allow to pay for3124the egress, for the download, because they can also charge3125industry to process it.3126 Senator Capito. Right. So that gives you a little more3127flexibility with that. I would like to pivot to the storms in3128Texas and the weather predicting. And obviously, I live in an3129area that is prone to rapid flooding like that. But the tragedy3130that we see in Texas is like nothing that I can--it is3131unimaginable for many of us.3132 I think a lot of it--and I think it is the aftermath of3133community engagement, community warning systems. How can that3134be improved? How can--and I know, that is not necessarily in3135that specific area simply because it is probably too early to3136assess that.3137 But generally speaking, there are still gaps, and I think--3138I am sure this is something that you think about. You shared3139with me that you have two--a 9-year-old and an 11-year-old3140daughter, I believe. So you are feeling this as well. Do you3141have any comments on that?3142 Mr. Jacobs. It is--so coming from a background of numerical3143weather prediction, I always thought naively that if I could3144improve the forecast skill, I would save more lives. And it3145turns out that it is really the last mile.3146 Even if you have a perfect forecast, if you can't get the3147information to the people, it is totally useless. And so,3148having a way to distribute the watches and warnings, and3149particularly in regions that don't have good cell coverage.3150 I think there is an opportunity to modernize NOAA Weather3151Radio, and then potentially also look at some satellite3152capabilities, some CubeSat-based data transmission. That wasn't3153really an option a couple of years ago.3154 And so, I think probably an all-of-the-above approach and3155modernizing the way to distribute these watches and warnings is3156something that is going to be a top priority of mine.3157 Senator Capito. Thank you. Thank you very much.3158 Senator Blunt Rochester. Senator Lujan, you are recognized.31593160 STATEMENT OF HON. BEN RAY LUJAN,3161 U.S. SENATOR FROM NEW MEXICO31623163 Senator Lujan. Thank you, Madam Chair. And to my brothers3164from Texas, my deepest condolences for all that has happened,3165and for all the lives that have been lost and families that3166have impacted, and to everyone that has been on the ground with3167all those first responders, all the volunteers just helping3168those families.3169 As my colleagues may know, unfortunately, in New Mexico3170yesterday, the Rio Ruidoso rose to nearly 20 feet in a matter3171of minutes amid heavy rainfall, sweeping away homes, if you can3172believe that, in the flows. And we have already lost loved ones3173out that way. This is an area that was also ravaged by wildfire3174not too long ago, as we have all had conversations about what3175needs to be done with FEMA and others with wildfire and then3176the flooding that follows for years and years to follow.3177 Now, today we have witnesses that hope to serve at the3178National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NOAA, which3179oversees the National Weather Service which provides critical3180forecasting data that Americans rely on to protect their lives.3181We also know that emergency alerts and the work of NOAA and the3182National Weather Service does save lives.3183 I appreciate your response, Dr. Jacobs, to the question3184from Senator Capito. However, Project 2025 has outlined a plan3185to commercialize the forecasting, which would force American3186taxpayers to pay private companies to access weather forecasts.3187 Dr. Jacobs and Mr. Jordan, yes or no, do you think3188Americans should have to pay to access forecasting data to3189protect the safety of their families and homes from natural3190disasters? Dr. Jacobs.3191 Mr. Jacobs. No. I think that that is an essential service3192that all Americans deserve.3193 Senator Lujan. Mr. Jordan.3194 Mr. Jordan. I agree, no.3195 Senator Lujan. Dr. Jacobs, in late May I sent a letter to3196the National Weather Service, along with several of my3197colleagues, regarding the National Weather Service's decision3198to discontinue translations of weather alerts and forecast into3199languages other than English. Those services have now been3200restored.3201 This created a dangerous gap in access to emergency3202information for those nearly 68 million people in the United3203States that speak a language other than English at home. Yes or3204no, do you agree that people deserve to get emergency alerts in3205the language that they can understand?3206 Mr. Jacobs. Yes.3207 Senator Lujan. Yes or no, do you commit to ensuring that3208this lapse in translation doesn't happen again?3209 Mr. Jacobs. If confirmed, making sure that the watches and3210warnings go out, and they are understood, it is definitely a3211priority.3212 Senator Lujan. Appreciate that. On September 1, 2019, when3213you were NOAA's Acting Administrator, President Trump3214erroneously tweeted that Alabama had been hit hard by Hurricane3215Dorian.3216 Shortly after, the National Weather Service Birmingham3217Office issued the accurate statement, ``Alabama will not see3218any impacts from Dorian.'' Three days later, President Trump3219went on TV and displayed a weather map altered with a black3220Sharpie line to show that Dorian would hit Alabama.3221 Two days after that, you helped draft a release, un-signed3222statement rebuking the Birmingham NWS and repeating President3223Trump's baseless claim that Hurricane Dorian could impact3224Alabama. You told the Department of Commerce Office of3225Inspector General in their investigation that you, ``definitely3226felt like our jobs were on the line.''3227 And while you did not like it, you would make the same3228decision again to edit a less inflammatory statement as the3229least bad option. Mr. Jacobs or Dr. Jacobs, do you--do I have3230it right? Is that correct?3231 Mr. Jacobs. That is what the IDRI report found, yes.3232 Senator Lujan. That you would do nothing differently?3233 Mr. Jacobs. I mean, there is probably some things I would3234do differently. And there are a lot of things that I did after3235that too, you know, I guess, change any potential future3236outcome. One of them was revamp----3237 Senator Lujan. Let me ask this question, because I just had3238constituents die in New Mexico. We had constituents die in3239Texas. Would you sign off on an inaccurate statement due to3240political pressure in the same event, yes or no?3241 Mr. Jacobs. No.3242 Senator Lujan. I appreciate that very much. Mr. Kumar,3243Congress appropriated over $68 million to MBDA under the most3244recent funding bill.3245 But now Secretary Lutnick and the Trump Administration have3246dismantled the MBDA, ignoring the law Congress passed in 2021.3247When Deputy Secretary Dabbar was before this committee in May,3248he committed to ``follow every dollar and report back'' to this3249committee regarding the status of MBDA.3250 I have a letter here that I plan to send to the Deputy3251Secretary, holding him to this commitment and asking a series3252of questions regarding MBDA funds and grants. Mr. Kumar, if3253confirmed, will you--you will be responsible for overseeing the3254Department's responses to Congress, yes or no?3255 Mr. Kumar. Thank you for the question, Senator. Yes.3256 Senator Lujan. So yes or no, will you commit to me that my3257colleagues and I will have the report Deputy Secretary Dabbar3258promised regarding the status of MBDA funds and complete3259answers to other questions within two weeks of your3260confirmation, if not before?3261 Mr. Kumar. Thank you for the question. If confirmed, I will3262go back to Deputy Secretary Dabbar on the letter you mentioned.3263 Senator Lujan. We will get a response within two weeks?3264 Mr. Kumar. I will make sure to get with him right away and3265try to provide as timely a response as possible.3266 Senator Lujan. As timely response. Less than two months?3267 Mr. Kumar. Thank you for the--I will do my best to get it3268in the stated timeline.3269 Senator Lujan. Less than six months?3270 Mr. Kumar. Again, I will do my best to get it to you in the3271stated timeline.3272 Senator Lujan. Thank you, Madam Chair. It is challenging3273when given an amount of time to respond timely, when all of3274these witnesses take oaths that they will respond timely to3275this committee, but when we even extend that time that a simple3276answer of yes is just--cannot be found. It is frustrating.3277Thank you for the time, Madam Chair.32783279 STATEMENT OF HON. CYNTHIA LUMMIS,3280 U.S. SENATOR FROM WYOMING32813282 Senator Lummis. I recognize myself for 5 minutes. And I3283want to start by sending my condolences to the gentleman from3284New Mexico, and our Chairman from Texas, both of whom have3285endured significant flooding and loss of life.3286 And Senator Lujan, our condolences to you and your3287constituents, and as well as Senator Cruz and his constituents.3288Such a tragedy in both cases. Dr. Jacobs and Mr. Jordan,3289welcome. And Mr. Kumar, welcome. Your relevant experience in3290weather operations and atmospheric science policy is noted.3291 Thank you for your willingness to serve. Look forward to3292your service for the American people at the National Weather3293Service. I come from Wyoming. In Wyoming the weather is the3294news. I am also a rancher, and so the first thing we look at in3295the morning is the weather, because it affects every move we3296make.3297 And that is true for a lot of people in Wyoming, whether it3298is a closed road because it is icy, the weather turning for3299people who are recreating in Wyoming. People who want to know3300what the snowpack is in Jackson Hole at the Mountain Resort or3301at Targhee. When blizzards are rolling in and you might get3302trapped in your home if you don't get your vehicle out right3303away.3304 I mean, these are all real life, everyday occurrences for3305Wyoming people. The weather is the news. So I have been in3306tornadoes in Wyoming, flooding, hail, wind, lightning. I know3307people who have been struck by lightning. I remember dealing3308with--I was laying with my brother in an irrigation ditch while3309it was raining really hard because while I was on the baler and3310he was on a windrower, a tornado came and literally took the3311hay up into the air that we were trying to bale and windrow.3312 And so, we are laying there, getting hailed on in an3313irrigation ditch trying to stay out of the tornado. Amazing3314experiences. I mean, that is life in Wyoming with the weather.3315So, I want to talk to you specifically about how important the3316National Weather Service is to Wyoming.3317 We have two major National Weather Service facilities. One3318is in Riverton, which is kind of in central Wyoming, and the3319other in Cheyenne, which in Southeast. Now, a decision was made3320to close overnight service in Cheyenne and route evening3321coverage through Riverton. So the closure is from 1 a.m. to 73322a.m. I will want to visit with you after you are confirmed3323about this a little more.3324 You know, that is about, I don't know, 250 or 300 miles3325difference between Riverton and Cheyenne. It is as different as3326night and day in terms of the weather experience. And it would3327be extremely helpful if we could have a presence in that3328Cheyenne Weather Service facility.3329 Wyoming is vast. We have almost 100,000 square miles.3330Multiple mountain ranges. Tremendous topographical and3331elevation differences. Weather conditions are very, very local.3332My sister can get hailed out on her farm and I am just hunky-3333dory just 30 miles or 40 miles away from her. So the weather is3334a significant factor in our economy, and in our survival, and3335in health and wellbeing.3336 So I do want to work with you on the Cheyenne, Riverton3337issue, as well as other issues regarding the National Weather3338Service and its ability to serve the people of this country. So3339quick question now that I have been on my soapbox.3340 What role do you see technology playing in addressing3341current forecasting challenges? And how would you balance the3342ability of technology to serve versus human forecasters? Dr.3343Jacobs.3344 Mr. Jacobs. Thank you for the question. So I have been to3345that Cheyenne office.3346 Senator Lummis. Oh good.3347 Mr. Jacobs. And one of the fascinating things they told me3348that I hadn't thought of as a forecaster is one of their big3349concerns are high wind events. And they are actually worried3350about 18 wheelers getting blown off the highway, which to me3351seems like pretty high wind.3352 Senator Lummis. I have seen it happen. I have seen them3353blow over on the Interstate 25.3354 Mr. Jacobs. Yes. To answer your question, I think the use3355of technology is probably a mix. Technology--well, maybe like a3356three-pronged mix. So using new technology, whether it is3357space-based or in situ systems like drones to collect3358observations to build a data set of better initial conditions3359that is going to improve the models, then a lot of compute3360architecture.3361 CPUs are almost phased out. We are looking at GPUs now.3362Other types of chips to optimize that using AI. And then on the3363back end, as we have been discussing today, using different3364types of technologies and capabilities to more rapidly and3365effectively distribute the watches and warnings.3366 Senator Lummis. Mr. Jordan, do you have a comment on that?3367 Mr. Jordan. Thank you for the question Senator. I would3368agree with Dr. Jacobs, but also want to mention that in3369addition to technology and moving next generation technologies3370into the stack of what NOAA uses for weather forecast is3371important.3372 And technologies like AI are going to help the forecasters3373do their job. But the people in the offices at the local level3374who understand how wacky the weather can be sometimes is3375extremely important.3376 Senator Lummis. Yes, wacky is right. I mean, it is both a3377scientific and real life term that we all understand. So if3378confirmed, I would ask that you review the National Weather3379Service arrangements in Wyoming from a weather accuracy and3380safety standpoint. I want to thank you for meeting with my3381staff yesterday. I look forward to working with you both. And3382my time is up. Thank you very much.3383 The Chair recognizes Senator Klobuchar.33843385 STATEMENT OF HON. AMY KLOBUCHAR,3386 U.S. SENATOR FROM MINNESOTA33873388 Senator Klobuchar. Well, thank you very much, Madam Chair.3389And thank you to my colleagues who are here. We all are3390heartbroken over the loss of life, the kids at the camps, the3391people in both Senator Cruz's and Senator Lujan's state. And I3392think that we all know this is not an isolated incident. We can3393pretend it is, but it is not.3394 Extreme weather events like this one have been getting3395worse and worse all over our country. And we must ensure that3396NOAA--this hearing couldn't be more timely--and the Department3397of Commerce as a whole is ready and able to take this on. As we3398know, as has been repeated by my colleagues, NOAA has lost at3399least 1,875 employees, totaling a combined 27,000 years of3400experience and institutional knowledge, and now has over 3,0003401vacant staff positions at the very worst time.3402 So I know Dr. Jacobs, you responded to Senator Cantwell's--3403chair--Ranking Member Cantwell's questions about confirming3404that staffing is a priority at the National Weather Service. In3405May, NOAA started reassigning employees because of the loss of3406employees to NWS. And if confirmed, how do you make sure that3407these employees have the necessary technical expertise?3408 And how do plan to recruit additional employees when the3409message from this Administration, honestly, has been, please3410leave? We will give you buyouts. We want you to leave. How are3411you going to turn that around?3412 Mr. Jordan. Well, I guess maybe it is probably a multi-3413pronged approach. Obviously, one of them would be the3414reassignments. Lifting of the hiring freeze is certainly going3415to help.3416 As far as recruiting, I am optimistic as a former teacher3417of a lot of former students in mind who are actually Weather3418Service employees now, that I can appeal to their sense of3419mission--that this is important.3420 Like ensuring that Americans have timely and accurate3421forecast to protect lives and property is something that3422appeals to people. This is why they go into studying3423meteorology.3424 Senator Klobuchar. So you are going to commit to making3425sure they get this accurate information?3426 Mr. Jordan. Yes.3427 Senator Klobuchar. OK. And I guess along those lines, Mr.3428Jordan, I just addressed these stronger storms that we know are3429a scientific fact--warming climate. And if confirmed, will you3430advocate against attempts to limit information sharing on the3431impacts of climate? Because I don't know how we are going to3432respond to these storms if we pretend it is not happening.3433 Mr. Jordan. Thank you for the question, Senator. So yes, I3434would let the science drive the decisionmaking.3435 Senator Klobuchar. OK, very good. And how will you ensure3436that NOAA is able to maintain and improve its extensive3437observing networks and infrastructure that you mentioned in3438your testimony?3439 Mr. Jordan. Thank you for the question, Senator. So in the3440planning of these major acquisitions, these observing networks,3441these are large scale items that span multi--many fiscal years.3442It is important to ensure that we don't have gaps in those3443systems, or satellites and likewise. So working with the3444Department and in Congress here to ensure there is funding to3445continue those programs.3446 Senator Klobuchar. OK, thank you. When I first got to the3447Senate, I was on the Ocean subcommittee, Dr. Jacobs, and I3448realized I was the only one without an ocean on the3449subcommittee.3450 But then I remembered it also included the Great Lakes, and3451we have Lake Superior, which is of course superior to any3452ocean. So we have incredible research going on out of Duluth3453with our Great Lakes Observing Center. We have incredible3454research going on through the Minnesota Sea Grant and3455education.3456 And so, I just want people to remember that. The inland3457lakes, we have more than 10,000 despite our license plate--we3458have 15,000, we have Lake Superior. This research is also3459important. Could you address that and whether you will support3460the continuation of these inland sea grants?3461 Mr. Jordan. Yes. So actually the lakes are a big driver in3462weather. Like lake affect snow and things like that. And also I3463know that the harmful algal blooms are really important for3464folks in the lake. So, continuing that research, obviously if3465confirmed, very high priority.3466 Senator Klobuchar. OK, very good. Thank you. Just last, Mr.3467Kumar, I like many of my colleagues have addressed letters.3468Specifically represent Clyburn and Senator Lujan and I led a3469letter about the BEAD Program. It was a more recent one, but3470there is ones going back. And if you will commit to get these3471letters answered?3472 Mr. Kumar. Thank you for the question, Senator. If3473confirmed, yes, I will commit to making sure to work with my3474colleagues to get you accurate and timely responses.3475 Senator Klobuchar. And last, Secretary Lutnick announced3476that the Trump Administration is going to relaunch the Tech3477Hubs Program. He and I discussed this when he was in my office.3478I also discussed it with the Deputy. And they are going to plan3479a new round of selection in early 2026. We are one of the tech3480hubs in Minnesota, but we did not get funded despite being one3481of the premier--this is back in time--as you know, places for3482medical device development and the like, and in the Midwest or3483in the entire country. Will you work with me and my staff to3484look at the Med Tech 3.0 Program in Minnesota?3485 Mr. Kumar. Thank you for the question, Senator. Absolutely,3486if confirmed. I know our EDA team is very active on working3487with offices to make sure they have the most up to date3488information on the new competition and would be happy to work3489with your office.3490 Senator Klobuchar. And then just last, not a question, I3491will put it in writing, Rural Export Center, which is out of3492Fargo. But I am always friends with our neighbors, and a big3493priority for me and Senator Hoeven. So, I hope you will look at3494that as well. Thank you.3495 The Chairman. Thank you. Senator Young.34963497 STATEMENT OF HON. TODD YOUNG,3498 U.S. SENATOR FROM INDIANA34993500 Senator Young. Welcome all. Dr. Jacobs, my colleagues have3501talked about the benefits emerging technologies can provide.3502For instance, how quantum computing can better track and3503predict the movements of severe weather patterns. How AI may3504predict when another event may occur, and others--other3505applications.3506 I am working on reintroduction of several bills with my3507colleagues, and the impetus is advancing our technological3508leadership and capabilities in emerging technologies. Outside3509of what has been discussed here already, what other benefits do3510these emerging technologies promise to deliver? And how do you3511plan to work across the Department and other Executive3512agencies, as applicable, to make sure these deliverables are3513recognized?3514 Mr. Jacobs. Thank you for the question, Senator. So one of3515the things that we haven't talked about today that I think is3516really fascinating and I would love to be a focus is edge3517computing.3518 And I say that because as the satellites on orbit become3519more sophisticated and the sensors have higher resolution data,3520the files become larger. And downlinking those files takes3521time, moving that data takes time.3522 And weather is a very time sensitive capability to do these3523forecasts, so we have to get the data as fast as we can. And to3524the extent that it is possible, to do edge computing on orbit3525to process that data before it is downlinked I think would be a3526huge step forward.3527 Senator Young. What do you anticipate needs to be done in3528this area? Do we need to assemble kind of a strategy or a3529broader effort? I will let you explain or unpack for us what3530needs to be done.3531 Mr. Jacobs. So, I think some of this can be tested on the3532ground. I also think that there are a lot of capabilities that3533have been developed on the classified intel side where the data3534itself might be classified, but the process of compressing or3535sending the data might not be. So to repurpose those on the3536civil side would be an interesting thing I would like to work3537on.3538 Senator Young. Would you work with me on that priority,3539should you be confirmed?3540 Mr. Jacobs. Absolutely.3541 Senator Young. OK, great. I am a member of the Intelligence3542Committee, as well as the Commerce Committee, so there may be3543some synergies there. Thank you. Continuing with you, doctor, I3544would like to turn to IUU fishing. Illegal, unreported, and3545unregulated fishing, or IUU fishing, isn't just an3546environmental issue, though it is, of course, that.3547 It also undermines our economic security and our national3548security. It affects American fishermen, especially in the Gulf3549of America, who are often competing with illegally operating3550Mexican fishing vessels. In addition, we have to contend with a3551broader pattern of illegal maritime activities by state and3552non-state actors from the People's Republic of China and3553Russia.3554 They continue to engage in unregulated fishing that will3555impact our allies and the rest of us in a negative way. And so,3556it is our responsibility to protect American fishermen these3557violations, to hold other nations accountable to the same3558standards of maritime law and sustainability that we uphold.3559 How do you plan, doctor, on coordinating with offices in3560other departments or agencies like the State Department or3561Coast Guard to effectively counter this issue at home and3562abroad?3563 Mr. Jacobs. Thank you for the question. So, countering this3564is a huge priority. Obviously, seafood competitiveness and3565reducing the seafood trade deficit is a big priority, so3566combating IUU is essential to accomplishing that.3567 Would love to work, if confirmed, with the Coast Guard,3568with the Navy, particularly in the Pacific where there are a3569lot of false flag vessels doing illegal fishing in our EEZ, in3570other countries' EEZs where they are not flagged to be fishing.3571Tracking these ships when they turn off their transponders,3572traveling around.3573 A lot of times there are other sort of nefarious things3574like human trafficking that is going along with this IUU, you3575know, as well as the, like we were mentioning earlier, the3576poaching of red snapper in the Gulf of America. That is a huge3577issue.3578 And working with the State Department on that. And also3579potentially exploring other technologies, not just for the3580fishing aspect, but for the imports, because there is a lot of3581things that are being imported that we really need to take a3582close look at. Mislabeling, things like that, as far as3583imported seafood.3584 Senator Young. Yes. I think you hit on an important but3585often under discussed component of this, which is the3586businesses themselves that will supply us seafood, they need to3587bring more transparency to their supply chains and, you know,3588ensure that they are not procuring seafood that has been3589obtained illegally. But I hope to work with you on this as3590well. Do you commit to doing so, should you be confirmed?3591 Mr. Jacobs. If confirmed, absolutely.3592 Senator Young. OK. And then last, how do you see regional3593fisheries management organizations, or RFMOs, fitting into this3594equation? Is there an opportunity to reform or push these3595organizations to more effectively combat IUU fishing throughout3596the world when origin countries refuse to prosecute illegal3597fishermen, even with overwhelming evidence of their activities?3598 Mr. Jacobs. Definitely. RFMOs, working through the RFMOs to3599ensure that other countries enforce their laws is really3600important. And also working through RFMOs to ensure that we3601have a fair quota set for U.S. fishermen, very important.3602 Senator Young. Dr. Jacobs. Mr. Chairman.3603 The Chairman. Thank you. Senator Hickenlooper.36043605 STATEMENT OF HON. JOHN HICKENLOOPER,3606 U.S. SENATOR FROM COLORADO36073608 Senator Hickenlooper. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thanks to each3609of you for your willingness to go back into the arena, as it3610were. Let me ask you each a question, just to start. Obviously,3611natural disasters cost the U.S. over $182 billion in damages3612last year alone. NOAA is a hugely important institution.3613 I think everyone's questions recognize that and reflect3614that. So just as a thumbs up or thumbs down, recognizing3615nothing stays the same, do you think we are spending too much3616money in the science, the research around NOAA, or are we3617spending too little? Why don't you go start, Dr. Jacobs, and we3618will go right down the road.3619 Mr. Jacobs. I think it probably depends on the area of3620research and working with the President's----3621 Senator Hickenlooper. As a whole. I don't need a polemic,3622but as a whole, are we spending too much or too little?3623 Mr. Jacobs. Oh, I don't know that you could spend too much3624on the research.3625 Senator Hickenlooper. That is a good answer.3626 Mr. Jordan. Thank you for the question, Senator. It is a3627difficult question to answer, how much across the Federal3628Government the spending on science activities. But I would say3629it is a good thing to fund.3630 Senator Hickenlooper. Right. I was thinking more just about3631NOAA. I realize the Federal Government. I wrestle with that as3632well. And certainly science isn't perfect. Science is full of3633second guessing, and it is always trying to get better, as you3634all know. It is not a perfectly precise study, but it is3635crucial.3636 Mr. Kumar. Thank you for the question, Senator. I am the3637nominee to run Leg Affairs, so I defer to my colleagues here3638from--that are NOAA nominees, but certainly appreciate the3639importance of funding research.3640 Senator Hickenlooper. Great. You know, we have talked a lot3641about our ability to forecast natural disasters and how3642important that is. And I do agree the last mile that both of3643you, or both of the doctors, brought up is critical. But I also3644believe in incremental improvement.3645 And I think especially with better computing, we will be3646able to get that recognition of when there is a potential flood3647event--and our heart goes out to the people in Texas and New3648Mexico. Unbelievable, the tragedy that happened there. But four3649hours more, even with our not insufficient last mile, you know,3650how do we get information to those groups in time--that extra3651four hours could make a huge difference.3652 So I look at the importance of getting data, and having it3653there, and working with that data. And yet, it appears that we3654are having--we are going to stop collecting data or storing3655data and using data in certain places, most specifically the3656National Center for Environmental Information that tracks3657natural disasters.3658 Is that something that you or Dr. Jacobs are concerned3659about? Are you willing to commit to restoring and updating3660NOAA's database? Because to me, that is the foundation that so3661much of your work is built upon.3662 Mr. Jordan. Yes. If confirmed, definitely ensuring that3663that data is archived and easily accessible by the public, the3664research, the science community, is an essential function of3665NOAA.3666 Senator Hickenlooper. Right. And at some point we will get3667to, in terms of predicting disasters, be able to incorporate3668soil moisture, soil conditions, I mean all these other3669variables that have such a powerful effect.3670 And, Mr. Jordan, again, obviously NOAA has invested in3671satellites, delicate instruments to measure ecosystems of all3672types, to forecast weather, issue warnings. In terms of the3673satellites, do you have concerns about the recent efforts to3674limit the costs around that collection of data and making sure3675that the recent announcement, the Defense Meteorological3676Satellite Program, is going to terminate data collection and3677the sharing of that data later this month. That is you, Dr.3678Jacobs. Sorry. I was just asking about the Defense3679Meteorological----3680 Mr. Jordan. Yes. So DMSP for decades has been a really3681important program. It is my understanding that the funding for3682this was terminated back in 2015, but the atmospheric science3683community has had the benefit of these sensors that have lasted3684well beyond their lifespan.3685 And there are a couple of ways to backfill this. So first3686of all, the sounding data--there are other instruments that3687NOAA operates from AMSU-A, ATMS. I think what is probably of3688more interest in the hurricane forecasting community is the3689imager data. So the microwave imagers.3690 So there is a follow-on program to this. It is my3691understanding--and again, I am not in the agency yet, but I3692still know a lot of this because I work with the community. The3693follow-on program, they already have an asset on orbit. It is3694producing data. I believe NOAA is going to get access to that3695pretty soon.3696 I also think that there are potentially other capabilities3697out there. So there is--like European Space Agency has some of3698these assets as well, so data sharing. So yes, it is extremely3699important.3700 Senator Hickenlooper. Appreciate that. And I am out of3701time, but I do want to--I won't be able to come back for a3702second round of questions, but I am going to submit in writing3703some of the questions about the cooperative institutes that you3704guys all work with that I think are so important.3705 We have a couple Colorado State University, University of3706Colorado where you have got the institutions and graduate3707students and PhDs all working together kind of helping you3708expand your effort.3709 And then also the fire weather testbed that NOAA has based3710in Denver to increase wildfire resilience by researching and3711doing all that work around wildfires. So God bless you all for3712all your work. It is so crucial to the safety and--of most of3713our--well, all of our country. I yield back to the Chair.3714 The Chairman. Thank you. Senator Fetterman.37153716 STATEMENT OF HON. JOHN FETTERMAN,3717 U.S. SENATOR FROM PENNSYLVANIA37183719 Senator Fetterman. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Hello, Dr.3720Jacobs. Hi. I mean, I am from Pennsylvania, and I am sure you3721are familiar with Lake Erie. I love Erie. Erie is a very3722special part of my state.3723 And for me, Lake Erie is such an incredibly important3724economic engine and major, major cultural amenity for3725Pennsylvania. Tourism in Erie brings in over $1.2 billion and3726supports more than 15,000 jobs. And now for me, the tourism, it3727is driven because of the beauty. If anyone in here, in the room3728has ever been to Presque Island, and it is one of the most3729remarkable parks in the country. And I am not saying that as3730just a booster. I am saying that it actually is true.3731 And my family swims in Lake Erie, so we have a lot of skin3732in that game too. So protecting and making Erie more and more3733clean and pure. So for me, NOAA's Office of National Marine3734Sanctuary is working to designate Lake Erie as a National3735Marine Sanctuary. And of course I fully support that and know3736people that live in Erie support that. And today I was just3737asking to see if you support that, or would like to commit or3738work with my office to see this happen quickly?3739 Mr. Jacobs. If confirmed, I would love to work with you and3740your office on that.3741 Senator Fetterman. All right. That is wonderful. And then3742now, some people, maybe my colleagues, may not be aware of lake3743effect snow. So I am an amateur. So I would describe it as when3744colder air sweeps over warmer water of Lake Erie, and that can3745drop three feet of snow really in a short amount of time. Is3746that inaccurate?3747 Mr. Jacobs. Your science is correct. There is--it is heat3748flux driven.3749 Senator Fetterman. Yes, yes. So for me, and if you live in3750Erie, you know, 18 inches doesn't even make the news really--3751you know, rarely. And that is--you know, I mean, I live in3752Pittsburgh. We don't even--it is so different. It is very, very3753specific to that region because of lake effect snow.3754 And if you are from Arizona, you are like, I have no idea3755what that means. But, you know, I remember there was one3756Christmas time that I think 50, 55 inches dumped on Erie3757quickly in about 24 to 36 hours. So of course, NOAA is very3758important. So for me--and it has been brought to my attention3759that the National Weather Service that oversees Erie doesn't3760have a meteorologist, so--and I believe that.3761 So for me, even if it is like a part-time thing, I think it3762is reasonable when you can have three feet of snow from those3763things. So I just think perhaps, I support having a3764meteorologist, even part-time from a savings perspective, for3765there. So just if you have any thoughts?3766 Mr. Jacobs. I don't know the exact staffing levels at your3767office, but I will definitely get back to you on the numbers.3768And if confirmed, I would definitely commit to making sure it3769is staffed up.3770 Senator Fetterman. Great. That is great. And actually, I3771yield.3772 The Chairman. Thank you. Senator Markey.37733774 STATEMENT OF HON. EDWARD MARKEY,3775 U.S. SENATOR FROM MASSACHUSETTS37763777 Senator Markey. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. For decades, NOAA3778has collected and made public information on how many extreme3779weather related disasters caused by more than $1 billion worth3780of damage. In the 1980s, the U.S. experienced a weather or3781climate disaster that caused more than $1 billion in damage3782every four months, on average.3783 Now, in our climate change era, our communities are hit by3784a disaster of that magnitude on average by every three weeks.3785So Dr. Jacobs, I appreciated our conversation on this3786yesterday. Do you stand by your statement that you made to me3787yesterday that NOAA's data on billion dollar disasters should3788be made available to the public?3789 Mr. Jacobs. So the data that NOAA collects to produce that,3790yes. I think that that is a really important thing.3791 Senator Markey. Well, thank you. And that is great to hear.3792Back in May, the Trump Administration announced that it was3793going to start burying that information and stop informing the3794public about the cost of weather disasters. And I appreciate3795your commitment. And the Administration is fighting disasters3796the only way they know how, by denying they even exist.3797 And the only problem solved by burying weather data is that3798Trump Administration's PR problem. But that is all that is3799buried. The actual information should be out there so the3800public can see how much worse these storms are as each decade3801is unfolding.3802 So Dr. Jacobs, do you think that climate focused research3803data and grant programs are relevant to NOAA's mission to3804understand the health of coastal and marine resources, and3805predict marine environments?3806 Mr. Jacobs. Well, weather, water, and climate is essential3807to NOAA's mission. It is a fundamental part of it, and so data3808along the coastline obviously is critical to that.3809 Senator Markey. So I am glad that we agree on that. So do3810you support the efforts to collect and understand regional3811climate data, which is so important for developing the forecast3812that our farmers and other small business owners use to make3813decisions every single day?3814 Mr. Jacobs. Well, essentially, all data is regional at some3815level.3816 Senator Markey. Right. I know that. But do you agree that3817there should be a continuation of the collection?3818 Mr. Jacobs. Yes. Collecting of data observations is a core3819essential to NOAA's mission.3820 Senator Markey. Yes. So, and that is absolutely critical as3821well because it is too bad that President Trump's budget uses3822the exact language on climate research as a justification to3823kill that exact program at NOAA. And frankly, I am shocked that3824an agenda that would, you know, cause such problems could even3825be talked about in the era that we are in right now.3826 Dr. Jacobs, the Trump Administration wants to cut NOAA's3827budget by 27 percent, no climate, weather, sea grant, ocean3828labs, or many other programs exempted. Dr. Jacobs, yes or no,3829do you support these cuts?3830 Mr. Jacobs. Yes, I support the President's budget.3831 Senator Markey. Dr. Jacobs, do these cuts improve the3832weather readiness of our country?3833 Mr. Jacobs. The cuts I believe you are referring to, a lot3834of that work is being transitioned in from the research side to3835the operations side. So the National Weather Service, the3836National Ocean Service, their mission, essential functions will3837continue.3838 Senator Markey. I have a disagreement with you. A 273839percent cut is going to have an impact, because there is a3840definite ripple effect that occurs when that kind of funding is3841slashed.3842 Because weather readiness without funding is a3843hallucination. You know, you can't cut something by 27 percent3844even as the storms are enhanced as each year goes by without3845having that additional capacity. So, I do not agree with you on3846that issue.3847 And finally, Mr. Jordan, in 2012, Senator Inhofe wrote a3848book called, ``The Greatest Hoax, How the Global Warming3849Conspiracy Threatens Your Future''. The next year, you adopted3850the social media handle @thegreatesthoax as a reference to that3851book. Is that correct?3852 Mr. Jordan. Thank you for the question, Senator. That3853particular name came about while I was earning my master's----3854 Senator Markey. No, I appreciate that. Can you explain why3855you chose and kept the greatest hoax as your online identity3856based upon Senator Inhofe's book? What was the joke in that?3857 Mr. Jordan. So there is no joke. It was a young man's3858attempt at wit, and there is really no deeper meaning. They3859came about contemporaneously and that is about it.3860 Senator Markey. No, I appreciate that. But if you want to3861be a comedian, you should maybe go to open mic night at the3862local club because this is serious business. You know, The3863Greatest Hoax is not in any way a joke. It is an attempt to3864undermine legitimate climate science, undermine those who lead3865on weather, those who lead on protecting our oceans.3866 So it just says to me that all the rest of us have to get3867more serious if the greatest hoax is your handle, because that3868is not where our country should be. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.3869 The Chairman. Thank you. Senator Baldwin.38703871 STATEMENT OF HON. TAMMY BALDWIN,3872 U.S. SENATOR FROM WISCONSIN38733874 Senator Baldwin. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, if3875I may, I wanted to start by taking a moment of personal3876privilege to say, I heard your remarks about your visit to Camp3877Mystic, and they were heartfelt.3878 Closing with the Hunt Store, which is now Hunt Strong. I3879just want to let you know that our prayers, my prayers, go out3880to all the folks impacted by the tragedy in Kerr County and3881throughout Central Texas.3882 Senator Markey. And may I say, I should have led with that3883as well. I heard your comments. That was brilliant and3884heartfelt. Thank you.3885 Senator Baldwin. Dr. Jacobs, Wisconsin feels the impact of3886increasingly severe weather events like flooding, tornadoes,3887and drought. And NOAA weather and satellite services are more3888important now than ever. In particular, farmers in Wisconsin3889depend upon the agency's data to decide when to plant.3890 And our shipping and fishing industries rely on it to plan3891safe routes and travel schedules. NOAA data is vital for the3892safety and economic security across the Midwest and the Great3893Lakes region.3894 So if confirmed, will you commit to reversing the gutting3895of NOAA's weather resources by restoring satellite surfaces and3896staffing in particular?3897 Mr. Jacobs. If confirmed, definitely making sure staffing3898is a top priority. And also satellite data, both the3899procurement of it, access to it, utilization of it is also a3900central top priority.3901 Senator Baldwin. Thank you. And thank you for our meeting3902prior to this hearing today. I wanted to put on the record3903something we talked about. So if confirmed, will you ensure3904that high quality weather and climate data remains both freely3905and publicly accessible to everyone that relies on it?3906 Mr. Jacobs. Thank you for the question. Yes, if confirmed,3907it is my belief that this data should be readily accessible by3908the public.3909 Senator Baldwin. I want to take a moment to recognize the3910incredible network of Wisconsin organizations that partner with3911NOAA to protect the Great Lakes, including the Wisconsin Sea3912Grant, the National Estuarine Research Reserve System, the3913Coastal Management Program, the Marine Sanctuary Program, and3914many more. These programs operate on incredibly small, tight3915budgets, while delivering enormous environmental and economic3916returns.3917 And I would like to thank the people who lead this work in3918my home State of Wisconsin. Dr. Jacobs, the Great Lakes are a3919vital resource, not just for industry but for the 40 million3920people who rely on them for their drinking water. NOAA plays a3921major role in protecting the lakes alongside its Federal,3922State, tribal, and local partners from invasive species, from3923flooding and harmful algal blooms.3924 If confirmed, will you work to--on restoring and fully3925funding coastal programs that most impact our Great Lakes,3926including the Sea Grant, the Coastal Zone Management Program,3927the Estuarine Research Program, and marine sanctuaries that are3928doing this work right on the ground every day?3929 Mr. Jacobs. Thank you for the question. If confirmed, would3930love to work with you on this going forward. I actually went3931home last night and read up on lamprais after our conversation.3932 Senator Baldwin. And what did you learn?3933 Mr. Jacobs. Stuff I didn't really want to think about.3934 [Laughter.]3935 Senator Baldwin. Same here.3936 Mr. Jacobs. These are obviously very, very important to you3937and your state, as well as to NOAA, and I would look forward to3938working with you on this.3939 Senator Baldwin. Very good. Mr. Kumar, I am concerned that3940the President's Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Proposal eliminates3941funding for the EDA, which among many other critical functions3942runs the Tech Hub Program that was enacted through the3943Bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act.3944 As we discussed, Wisconsin has a tech hub focused on3945personalized medicine and bio health technology, key areas for3946improving patient care and competing with China. The future of3947the Tech Hub Program is too important to leave in question.3948 So will you commit to keeping Congress updated on3949Commerce's plans for the Tech Hub Program, and will you be3950responsive when we have questions?3951 Mr. Kumar. Thank you for the question, Senator. And I3952enjoyed our discussion yesterday on this topic. I know the3953Secretary sees this as a very important program. And yes, if3954confirmed, I am committed to working with you and ensuring the3955EDA team works with you to ensure you and your office have all3956the necessary information on tech hubs.3957 Senator Baldwin. And just to reiterate, the EDA program is3958proposed to be closed, so it will be hard to have them be the3959ones to be of contact. I need to know from you that you will3960keep Congress informed where it is rehoused, if that is a3961successful proposal on the part of the President.3962 Mr. Kumar. Absolutely. If confirmed, I will work with you3963and your office on it.3964 Senator Baldwin. OK. And I would like to close by3965reiterating my frustration with the lack of communication from3966the Commerce Department regarding dismantling of the Minority3967Business Development Agency. It is really unacceptable that the3968Secretary has been unresponsive to Congress as he takes away3969the resources for small businesses that we built up on a3970bipartisan basis. So, if you are confirmed, I sincerely hope3971this will change.3972 The Chairman. Thank you. Dr. Jacobs, President Trump has3973made it a national priority to expand offshore oil and gas3974production. NOAA plays a key role in reviewing permits and3975issuing authorizations under the Marine Mammal Protection Act3976and other laws.3977 If you are confirmed, how will you improve the efficiency3978of the offshore permitting process, particularly when it comes3979to environmental reviews under NEPA or the MMPA?3980 Mr. Jacobs. Thank you for the question, Senator. If3981confirmed, I will work with the White House to find3982efficiencies to unlock America's energy potential, consistent3983with the Executive Order of unleashing American energy.3984 The Chairman. Mr. Jordan, a persistent challenge within3985NOAA has been the siloed structure of its line offices, which3986has resulted in research projects stalling or never3987transitioning into operational use.3988 NOAA must close the gap between research and operations in3989order to give the public and decisionmakers more timely and3990actionable information. How would you accelerate the research3991to operations timeline at NOAA and foster greater collaboration3992across line offices?3993 Mr. Jordan. Thank you for the question, Senator. So moving3994the research closer to the operational sister line offices of3995NOAA would be important to take that research from OAR, where3996it currently exists now, and moving it to the Weather Service3997or the National Ocean Service.3998 The closeness with the operational end user, the outcome of3999that data, will foster greater collaboration and innovation.4000And you also get that feedback loop of research to operations,4001operations to research. The operations really should be driving4002what the research is focusing on.4003 The Chairman. Dr. Jacobs, we have seen a pattern of dual-4004engine flameouts caused by water and hail ingestion when4005aircraft descend into severe storms. Unlike commercial jets,4006NOAA's hurricane hunters use turboprops, which are less4007vulnerable because they do not pull water directly into the4008engines.4009 Can you and the Department of Commerce commit to working4010with the FAA to ensure that a future improved hurricane hunter4011fleet uses appropriate technology to prevent deadly incidents?4012 Mr. Jacobs. Thank you for the question, Senator. I spent4013many years in the aviation industry. The turboprops operate4014differently. They essentially aren't affected by the air fuel4015ratio, and that is what helps them in saturated environments.4016And would definitely commit to working with the FAA on this4017issue.4018 The Chairman. Great. Hurricanes have also been known to4019pick up entire homes off their foundations. How big would a4020drone need to be to navigate through a hurricane, and to your4021knowledge is such a drone available?4022 Mr. Jacobs. Well, I think--well, thank you for the4023question. There is probably two capabilities. One would be4024flying against the wind and one flying with the wind. So for4025the last couple of years, one of the things that NOAA has been4026doing is deploying small drones inside of the hurricane to fly4027around, but they are a foot or two long.4028 There is other potential opportunities to fly above the4029hurricane and deploy things through the hurricane. I think it4030is to be determined if we can actually fly one through the4031hurricane, but I have been in conversations with a couple of4032companies that are interested in potentially testing some4033capabilities.4034 The Chairman. And in your judgment, what are the benefits4035of artificial intelligence for improving weather forecasting?4036 Mr. Jacobs. The primary benefit, in my opinion, is4037computational efficiency. Even if the artificial intelligence4038can't do something better, if it can do it faster and more4039efficiently, I think it is worth using.4040 The Chairman. OK. Senator Sullivan.40414042 STATEMENT OF HON. DAN SULLIVAN,4043 U.S. SENATOR FROM ALASKA40444045 Senator Sullivan. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Jacobs,4046looking forward to meeting with you. And I want to--I missed a4047lot of the hearing because we are marking up the defense bill.4048 But I want to look forward to working with you,4049particularly on NOAA's jobs. In my state, in Alaska, NOAA does4050really, really important work. And I have appreciated the Trump4051Administration's Executive Order on restoring American seafood4052competitiveness. You know, and I talked to Secretary Lutnick4053about this, our fishermen often get the raw end of the deal,4054right. If you are like a farmer, high tech, Silicon Valley guy,4055or a Wall Street guy, the American government takes care of4056you, right.4057 If you are--and you know, those are all important,4058particularly our farmers. Nothing against them. But when you4059are a fisherman, a lot of times it is like, hey, good luck,4060right. And so, our fishermen don't ask a lot. They ask a few4061basic things from the Federal Government, robust fish surveys4062to inform accurate stock assessments and the timely4063promulgation of regulations to open up the fisheries.4064 Unfortunately, NOAA, and this was during Biden for sure,4065they didn't do stock assessments. They were going on doing all4066their kind of other stuff. They got a lot of money, but they4067weren't doing the basic blocking and tackling of stock4068assessments. How much fish is in certain parts of the ocean,4069and how much can we fish it, knowing that we want sustainable,4070environmentally sound fisheries, OK.4071 I have been worried--and when the Deputy Secretary of4072Commerce was here during his confirmation hearing, you know, I4073let him know about my concerns that the Trump NOAA guys aren't4074doing it either. And it is just--it is not good, right. You got4075a basic job to do. So I need your commitment right now, if you4076get confirmed, and you and I are going to have a long talk4077about this when you come see me in my office, but you got to do4078this, right. And you can't cut staff who do this work.4079 If you don't do surveys, guess what happens? The great4080American fishermen that I represent--and by the way, my state4081is the superpower of seafood. Over two-thirds of all seafood4082harvested in America, commercial, subsistence, over two-thirds4083comes from Alaska. So, if and when you get confirmed, you are4084going to be spending a lot of time in Alaska. But--right?4085 Mr. Jacobs. Absolutely.4086 Senator Sullivan. Yes, good. OK. But my point is, if you4087don't do the surveys, then the science is kind of crimped, and4088people say, well, we are not sure what you can do, and it4089limits their ability to actually go fish. So I want your view4090on that.4091 I am sure Senator Cantwell has already hit you up on it.4092But this is so important, and I am a little concerned that the4093Department of Commerce under Secretary Lutnick is not doing it4094either. And it is unacceptable.4095 You guys got to commit to me--and don't do like Biden did.4096They got all this money and then they never did surveys either.4097They did all their other stuff. I don't know what the hell they4098did with the money. But commit to me on this right now, because4099it is really important. This is going to be a main part of your4100job. And, you know, first six months, I have been really4101concerned.4102 And gosh darn it, this--we are not asking a lot. Do the4103science. Do the surveys. You know, during COVID, people were4104making up, oh, we can't go out. It is too dangerous. No, go do4105the surveys. Can you talk a little about that and make a4106commitment to me and my fishermen that you will get out and do4107the damn surveys, right?4108 It is really--again, we don't ask for much. Basic blocking4109and tackling that NOAA is supposed to do. And I don't know why4110it is a problem right now. It shouldn't be a problem in the4111Trump Administration. I need you to focus on it and commit to4112me right now to do it.4113 Mr. Jacobs. Thank you for the question. So if confirmed,4114absolutely. Stock assessments and surveys is a top priority. We4115wouldn't be competitive in the seafood industry if we don't do4116those, because understanding, you know, for example, the status4117of pollock stock is essential for setting the quotas. And I4118understand and appreciate your concerns, and if confirmed very,4119very high priority.4120 Senator Sullivan. Good. And I appreciate that. We have a4121lot of issues. The bycatch issue is an issue. I was just up on4122the Yukon River. There is no fishing again on the Yukon. I was4123up--my wife's family has a fish camp on the Yukon river.4124 There is no king fishing again. We need to get to the4125bottom of what is happening to our salmon runs. I had4126legislation, my Alaska Salmon Research Task Force Act, which4127was passed. NOAA did some good work. But we have some runs in4128Alaska that are doing great, Bristol Bay, sockeye run.4129 Other iconic runs in Alaska, king runs on the Yukon to4130Kuskokwim, they are cratering and that really hurts people.4131More than just food security, it is culture for our native4132communities.4133 Can you commit to me to continue to work getting the best4134science, the best minds on why we are seeing in certain parts4135of Alaska these dramatic crashes in our salmon runs and why4136that is happening, and take action to help us return to what4137everybody in Alaska and America wants, strong, vibrant salmon4138runs?4139 Mr. Jacobs. Thank you for the question. Absolutely. If4140confirmed, we will commit to working on this. This is something4141that I have been wondering about for a while because we do fund4142a lot of this restoration, and a lot of these stocks don't seem4143to be improving, and it is deeply concerning.4144 Senator Sullivan. Yes. Well, and there is a gap in the4145research, right. That is one of the things that--it is a long4146story, but the salmon live out in the ocean most of their life,4147but the research from the Feds is actually not focused on4148salmon.4149 Alaska, the state, focuses on salmon research, but within4150the rivers, not out on the big ocean. We need more research on4151what is happening to the salmon as they live out in the oceans4152for most of lives, and that is where NOAA could be very4153helpful. Can I get your commitment on that as well?4154 Mr. Jacobs. Yes. Definitely commit to working with you on4155this.4156 Senator Sullivan. And then finally--and I do want to4157compliment Secretary Lutnick and his team, President Trump and4158his team on their Executive Order on seafood competitiveness.4159That was really welcomed. It was a really good EO.4160 We got to work together to implement it. But the other4161thing I just need your commitment on, and Secretary Lutnick has4162been great on this, the unfair, unbalanced trade relationship4163that we have had, particularly with Russia and China. What do I4164mean? Russia banned the importation of American seafood in41652014. Zero fish from America could go to Russia.4166 And we, for whatever reason, for the last decade, have let4167them import as much fish as they want. That is crushing our4168fishermen, fishing communities. Finally, two years ago, under4169the Biden Administration, I give them credit, they blocked the4170importation of Russian seafood.4171 Then the Russians sent it to China to have it laundered in4172China, and we closed that loophole, right. And the Trump4173Administration, to their credit, has been really good about4174keeping that ban on the importation of Russian seafood,4175regardless of where they send it for secondary head gutting and4176fileting.4177 But I need your commitment to continue to that and work4178with us. We just had a really good hearing on IUU fishing,4179where the Chinese, the Russians, they have no standards, they4180use slave labor, and we need your help to work on those issues4181as well. Can I get your commitment on those?4182 Mr. Jacobs. Absolutely.4183 Senator Sullivan. Good. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.4184 The Chairman. Thank you. You know, Dr. Jacobs, you have4185spent decades as a redfish fishing guide on the Atlantic. I do4186have to ask, in following up my friend, Senator Sullivan's4187questions, have you been salmon fishing in Alaska?4188 Mr. Jacobs. I have.4189 The Chairman. Good. That was the right answer, and it is4190extraordinary. I have to----4191 Senator Sullivan. That was a right answer.4192 The Chairman. And it is a unique and beautiful place.4193 Senator Sullivan. Well, maybe when you come up to Alaska,4194the Chairman and I, we can host you for some more fishing out4195there.4196 Mr. Jacobs. I am looking forward to it.4197 The Chairman. And since he is a guide, we may do better4198with him along.4199 Senator Sullivan. That is right.4200 [Laughter.]4201 The Chairman. Ranking Member Cantwell.4202 Senator Cantwell. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And I do want to4203echo my colleague from Alaska--I did, you are right, bring it4204up in my earlier questioning about stock assessments, but I4205want to echo again. You know, our industries are just chasing a4206never-ending, you know, go-around, right.4207 But it all starts with stock assessments as a really basic4208information, and then making sure that we play a more4209aggressive role internationally to stop the Russians and4210Chinese for collaborating and impacting our fisheries.4211 So, very much appreciate your, you know, comments on that.4212So I would like to follow on with, do you think we should have4213a NOAA Organic Act? Will that help in persevering and4214preserving stock assessments in a more robust way?4215 Mr. Jacobs. Thank you for the question. I believe NOAA is4216long overdue to have its mission authorized and in statute. So,4217very much support.4218 Senator Cantwell. Great, thank you. Do you support the4219reauth--do you support the Weather Act reauthorization?4220 Mr. Jacobs. Yes.4221 Senator Cantwell. OK. Do you support replacing a4222Northwest--the lab, the Northwest Fisheries Science Center?4223When Senator Sullivan was talking about all of these issues, I4224remember the whole Canadian, you know, threat to salmon and all4225the work that we do at that NOAA facility in Seattle. Do we4226need to replace that or make sure it still exists?4227 Mr. Jacobs. If I remember correctly, this was an issue when4228I was at NOAA last time, and it was something we were working4229on. And I believe there was discussion of potentially working4230with the university or something.4231 Senator Cantwell. Yes. I think it just needs to take the4232final step, so I just want to make sure----4233 Mr. Jacobs. Yes, I would love to work with you on that, if4234confirmed.4235 Senator Cantwell. Do you support a tribal government4236consultation?4237 Mr. Jacobs. I do.4238 Senator Cantwell. Great. I do think that is something that,4239you know, is not an ongoing effort--we get it. We understand4240it. With 29 tribes in the Northwest, we get what tribal to4241government consultation, government to government consultation4242means. But I do think from time to time, agencies forget this.4243And certainly I think even in the last Administration, they4244forgot this.4245 So hopefully you can help restore that. I understand my4246colleague asked about the budget cuts, which you said you4247supported, the 27 percent budget cut to NOAA. Is that correct?4248 So how do you keep your science mission, and particularly4249in atmospheric and oceanic areas, how do you keep that science4250mission if we are cutting that budget, when in reality, like4251that is a core part of your mission?4252 Mr. Jacobs. So I appreciate the question. It is--you know,4253a lot of these priorities, particularly, you know, weather4254forecasting and things we have been discussing all day. Some of4255that is being transferred to the Weather Service.4256 It is my hope for certain things that we are looking at to4257basically fulfill the mission requirements of the forecasting4258capabilities, that the Weather Service takes over a lot of4259that. Some other aspects transferred to the Ocean Service.4260 Senator Cantwell. OK. So you think that the missions are4261going to be preserved, just preserved somewhere else?4262 Mr. Jacobs. It is--I mean, yes. It is my objective to make4263sure that NOAA fulfills their mission requirements.4264 Senator Cantwell. Great. I am glad you said that. And we4265had a discussion earlier where you were saying, no, no, these4266people need to be on the ground. You can't replace people on4267the grounds.4268 So you have to have--you have the people that are4269implementing, understanding the local regional dynamic on4270weather, and also implementing an action plan, basically4271getting first responders, everybody to help and implement that4272based off that data. So very much appreciate that answer.4273 But in this, you know, it just reminds me, you know, Boeing4274says, well, we are going to get rid of all these safety4275inspectors. We are going to get rid of like 300 safety4276inspectors. Why? Because that was their main job, and we can4277just self-certify our work. Well, that didn't turn out very4278well because they missed a lot.4279 Because it turned out that those safety people actually4280were doing something really critically important. In fact, they4281tried to automate parts of it and that turned out to be a4282disaster, and so they changed it.4283 So I just, I am cautioning you--and I don't agree with the4284Trump Administration proposal on cutting these programs. I4285think there are essential scientific search information. I am4286all for elevating the game. I have been for years. Elevating4287with more supercomputing and certainly using--I think one of4288the things that we can do is get better information so that4289forecast is two weeks in advanced. Or why are we cutting these4290weather balloons?4291 I mean the fact that the weather balloon is there to tell4292you the amount of moisture and the condition of the atmosphere.4293Why was that so important for us with fires? Because the land4294was getting so dry. A lightning strike that may not have caused4295a problem, now all of a sudden causes a problem.4296 So, the critical nature changed, and we had to understand4297that. So I just, I hope that we are not thinking that we are4298just going to like put weather up here in some big--you know,4299oh, we have this really great way of getting information like4300from the private sector somehow, or not going to play this4301critical role. I don't know.4302 Mr. Jordan, you are shaking your head or nodding, so I4303don't know if you have a thought on this. But we can't just4304shift these resources somewhere else. We have to own them. NOAA4305has to own them. They have to on weather forecasting. We need4306it to be better, but we transfer some of it out and then say4307that is somebody else. Mr. Jordan.4308 Mr. Jordan. Thank you for the opportunity to provide a4309comment. So I agree--I was shaking my head in agreement with4310you. Yes, the weather forecasting is very important. America4311has a robust American private weather industry that really4312amplifies the work that NOAA does, but it is very important for4313NOAA to do its weather forecasting mission.4314 Senator Cantwell. OK. Well how do we preserve that in a4315budget?4316 Mr. Jordan. I believe looking at the budget, again, not at4317NOAA, looking at it from the outside, I see the Weather Service4318mission, the line office, is preserved.4319 Senator Cantwell. But what about all the work they do to4320understand?4321 Mr. Jordan. Within the Weather Service?4322 Senator Cantwell. Yes.4323 Mr. Jordan. The budget, I believe, funds the Weather4324Service.4325 Senator Cantwell. OK. So I am talking about the R&D Office4326of the Oceanic--that research group.4327 Mr. Jordan. Understood. Sorry for the confusion. And as Dr.4328Jacobs said, looking at the budget again, not having the4329conversations with the folks inside about what is happening,4330but it looks like the transition of some of that work is4331happening from OAR to the Weather Service.4332 Senator Cantwell. Yes. I think this is where we are4333probably in--because that office, the Weather Research Office,4334is eliminated. So I think what I should do, we should do is--I4335have heard what Dr. Jacobs has said. Look, I want to get a4336clear understanding of this. I think we are in a disagreement4337on this. I think that we like this office. I don't think we4338want it to be zeroed out.4339 We think it is the key to NOAA doing its job overall. And,4340you know, as people talk about killing hurricane hunters. Is4341that correct? Killing hurricane hunters. These are the people4342that fly into the hurricanes and give us all the information.4343Why would we kill that? Why would kill that?4344 So let's get a framework here and we will follow up with4345some questions to both of you on this entire regime and how you4346think it is going to work but--and I get it, you are nominees4347by this Administration, so you are going to generally agree4348with their budget. We disagree with it.4349 But I think more importantly, let's look at these programs4350that are going to be cut and have an understanding from you at4351least about what you think and how that responsibility is going4352to get served.4353 Because without it being served, I have serious concerns4354about our ability to do the job that NOAA is requested to do on4355forecasting. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.4356 The Chairman. Thank you, Senator Cantwell. Dr. Jacobs, Mr.4357Jordan, Mr. Kumar, my final question is required of all4358nominees.4359 If confirmed, do you pledge to work collaboratively with4360this committee to provide thorough and timely responses to the4361Committee's requests and to appear before the Committee when4362requested?4363 Mr. Jacobs. Yes.4364 Mr. Jordan. Yes.4365 Mr. Kumar. Yes.4366 The Chairman. Thank you. I have letters of support for Dr.4367Jacobs and Mr. Jordan's nominations. I ask unanimous consent to4368be inserted in the hearing record. Without objection, so4369ordered.4370 [The information referred to follows:]43714372 The Chairman. Senators will have until the close of4373business on Friday, July 11, to submit questions for the4374record. The nominees will have to the close on Monday, July 14,4375to respond to those questions. That concludes today's hearing.4376The Committee stands adjourned.4377 [Whereupon, at 12:30 p.m., the hearing was adjourned.]43784379 A P P E N D I X43804381 Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Roger Wicker to4382 Neil Jacobs4383 Question 1. Seafood production is a major economic driver in my4384state, generating hundreds of millions of dollars and thousands of jobs4385annually. The United States only imports about 80 percent of the4386seafood we eat, and we have a seafood trade deficit of over $204387billion. The U.S. can and should urgently address this seafood4388deficit--and that starts with producing more fresh, healthy, and4389sustainable seafood at home through marine aquaculture.4390 NOAA oversees and manages our marine fisheries and aquaculture.4391NOAA must lead the way in addressing the seafood trade deficit by4392expanding our marine aquaculture. Do you commit to leading these4393efforts?4394 Answer. The recent Executive Order on Seafood Competitiveness,4395building on EO 13921, directs DOC and the Office of the United States4396Trade Representative (USTR) to assess seafood competitiveness issues4397and jointly develop a comprehensive seafood strategy, and convenes the4398interagency Seafood Trade Task Force co-chaired by USTR and DOC. If4399confirmed, I plan to use this vehicle to advance objectives to improve4400access to foreign markets, address unfair trade practices, and ensure a4401fair and competitive domestic market for U.S. seafood producers.44024403 Question 2. Despite its economic and strategic importance, more4404than 80 percent of the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) remains4405unmapped at high resolution. High-tech ocean mapping, deep-sea4406exploration, and hydrographic surveys are essential for enhancing4407economic opportunities, improving national security, and ensuring4408maritime safety.4409 How do you plan to support NOAA's leadership in marine technology4410and expand ocean mapping, exploration, and characterization of our4411coastal and deep-sea resources?4412 Answer. In alignment with the Administration's priority of4413Unleashing America's Offshore Critical Minerals and Resources, if4414confirmed, I will ensure that NOAA continues to prioritize mapping and4415characterizing priority areas of the seabed, especially those with4416abundant offshore resources. In alignment with that Executive Order, I4417will coordinate with Federal agencies and the private sector to4418accelerate data collection within the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf.4419Additionally, I will ensure that NOAA continues to advance hydrographic4420surveys in support of maritime safety and a more competitive U.S.4421seafood industry.44224423 During hurricane season, Mississippi regularly utilizes NOAA's Gulf4424of America Coastal Ocean Observing System (GCOOS). Will you commit to4425maintaining and expanding NOAA's hurricane research and real-time ocean4426monitoring in the Gulf through the Integrated Ocean Observing System?4427 Answer. I am supportive of NOAA continuing to give public access to4428regional ocean observing data, and will prioritize the integration of4429available federal, academic, private sector and non-profit ocean data.4430I remain committed to maintaining accessibility of ocean information in4431support of defense, maritime navigation, commerce, public health and4432safety, weather forecasting, fisheries, marine conservation and4433protected areas, and ocean and Great Lakes resource management.44344435 Question 3. Sea Grant plays a vital role in supporting our Nation's4436coastal, Great Lakes, and ocean communities. It's especially important4437in Mississippi, where Sea Grant is active in supporting commercial and4438recreational fisheries and aquaculture to grow the blue economy. For4439more than 50 years, the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium has4440provided cost-effective, unbiased education, research, and workforce4441development that benefit our communities and economy.4442 How will you continue to support education and workforce4443development through the Sea Grant program?4444 Answer. Workforce development would be supported through NOAA's4445continued investments in foundational science and technology.44464447 Question 4. The Ocean Exploration Cooperative Institute (OECI) has4448and continues to support the Trump Administration's priorities through4449U.S. leadership in ocean exploration and technology development. The4450OECI is the go-to for critical minerals discovery in the ocean due4451their expertise with long-endurance autonomous surface and subsurface4452vehicles. This work is accelerated through public-private partnerships4453with industry.4454 What are your priorities for further implementation of public-4455private partnerships with NOAA Cooperative Institutes? How do you plan4456to utilize your authorities to incentivize innovative ocean research4457and training in the United States?4458 Answer. The Ocean Exploration Cooperative Institute (OECI) plays a4459critical role in advancing U.S. leadership in ocean exploration and4460technology. OECI's capabilities--especially in long-endurance4461autonomous surface and subsurface vehicles--are instrumental in4462accelerating the discovery of critical minerals through strong public4463private premierships. If confirmed, I commit to continuing to leverage4464the E/V Nautilus, an OECI-affiliated vessel, to advance ocean science4465and support the Administration's priority of unlocking seabed mineral4466resources as well as identifying new opportunities to expand ocean4467exploration in alignment with national goals. Cooperative Institutes4468are an important component of NOAA's mission. My priority will be to4469maintain this mission by ensuring research remains focused, responsive,4470and tightly linked to the needs of the public.4471 ______44724473 Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Maria Cantwell to4474 Neil Jacobs4475 NOAA Workforce Reductions. I have serious concerns about the4476current state of NOAA's workforce. Since January 2025, NOAA has lost a4477combined 27,000 years of experience. The resulting brain drain has4478impacted the entire agency. Overall, NOAA now has more than 3,0004479vacant positions across the agency. I appreciated your commitment at4480the hearing that ``staffing the Weather service offices is a top4481priority'' but missions across NOAA's line offices are critical.4482 On February 19, 2025, I sent a letter to Secretary Lutnick urging4483him to protect NOAA's critical workforce from the Trump4484Administration's reduction-in-force initiatives and hiring freeze,4485which would jeopardize the safety of the American public. Despite this4486warning, about 600 probationary employees were fired across various4487NOAA line offices, and over 1,000 employees have left through voluntary4488separation programs. These staffing shortages are disrupting NOAA's4489core functions. For instance, weather balloon launches have been4490suspended, and multiple Weather Forecast Offices no longer able to4491staff overnight shifts.44924493 Question 1. Yes or No: Do you believe NOAA can operate at its peak4494effectiveness when it has over 3,000 positions vacant?4495 Answer. If confirmed, my focus will be on ensuring we continue to4496deliver on our vital mission of science, service, and stewardship.44974498 Question 2. Yes or No: Do you think that the agency's ability to4499carry out its mission effectively has been impacted by the loss of4500about 2,000 officials since January?4501 Answer: NOAA has identified its core mission and functions, and if4502confirmed, my focus will be on ensuring NOAA delivers on its important4503functions.45044505 Question 3. Yes or No: Will you commit to rule out any further4506large-scale reductions to NOAA's workforce if confirmed?4507 Answer. If confirmed, I will ensure NOAA's mission effectiveness4508remains steadfast and without compromise through strategic workforce4509management and leveraging new technologies.45104511 Question 4. Yes or No: Will you commit to fill these 3,000 vacant4512NOAA positions without delay if confirmed?4513 Answer. If confirmed, I will ensure NOAA has adequate staffing to4514effectively carry out its core, life-saving mission and strategic4515priorities.45164517 Question 5 What specific steps would you take to ensure the4518National Weather Service has sufficient staff for all Weather Forecast4519Offices and to provide Americans with accurate and timely weather4520warnings?4521 Answer. If confirmed, I will immediately begin working with the4522National Weather Service and NOAA Office of Human Capital Services to4523ensure we have adequate staffing to effectively carry out its core,4524life-saving mission and strategic priorities.45254526 Question 6. Will you ensure NOAA is adequately staffed so that4527Tribes are able to access meaningful government-to-government4528consultation and technical assistance on NOAA programs, including4529grants?4530 Answer. I support government-to-government consultations with4531Tribes.45324533 Question 7. Executive Order 14170 implements a Federal hiring4534freeze, but it allows for exclusions for positions related to public4535safety. The National Weather Service has been given a limited exemption4536to rehire 126 positions. Do you intend to pursue an exemption to the4537hiring freeze under for any other NOAA positions? If so, which4538positions?4539 Answer. If confirmed, I will evaluate to determine how best to4540fulfill our critical mission areas across all NOAA offices.45414542 Question 8. Will you commit to providing this Committee a full list4543detailing the number and duties of positions that have been terminated4544due to layoffs, deferred resignation, or early retirement since January454520, 2025?4546 Answer. I am not at NOAA, so I do not have access to this4547information. If confirmed, I will work with the Department to provide4548the Committee with appropriate staffing information.45494550 Question 9. What is your plan for rebuilding the base of expertise4551that has been lost, ensuring that our science remains cutting edge, and4552retaining experts that are otherwise likely to leave for work in other4553nations?4554 Answer. If confirmed, I will evaluate our base of expertise to4555ensure that NOAA can be a global leader in science by creating an4556environment where our researchers are empowered, valued, and able to4557deliver cutting-edge results for the American people.45584559 National Marine Fisheries Service. American fisheries are the best4560managed fisheries in the world because of science. However, recent4561staffing cuts and the ongoing Federal hiring freeze have left NOAA with4562a shortage of fishery managers, scientists, and vacancies for 1804563mariners that NOAA needs to operate its ships.4564 As a result, 30 percent of NOAA's research vessel fleet will not4565leave the dock this summer, which will result in at least 6 stock4566assessments being cancelled. Without stock assessments, NOAA will have4567to lower harvest levels. That means fewer fish, fewer fishing jobs, and4568a damaging ripple effect throughout coastal economies that rely on4569seafood.45704571 Question 1. Yes or No: Do you support a hiring freeze exemption for4572NOAA merchant mariners needed to get NOAA ships operational?4573 Answer. Yes.45744575 Question 2. What is your plan to address stock assessment4576shortfalls, including cancellation of multiple pollock, salmon, and4577Gulf of Mexico surveys that red snapper and mackerel fishermen depend4578on?4579 Answer. If confirmed I will work with Congress to ensure NOAA has4580the needed resources to prioritize surveys, including by addressing4581professional mariner vacancies and retention, and expanding the use of4582uncrewed systems to augment NOAA's ability to conduct surveys.45834584 Question 3. At the hearing you said you supported Pacific salmon.4585Pacific Coast Salmon Recovery Fund (PCSRF) provides critical funding to4586facilitate the recovery of Pacific salmon and steelhead and the4587commercial, recreational, and tribal fisheries that rely on them. The4588FY 2026 Presidential Budget would eliminate funding for this program,4589which has restored salmon access to over 12,000 miles of streams and4590leveraged $2.2 billion in non-PCSRF contributions. Do you commit to4591protecting the PCSRF program and to distributing FY 2025 PCSRF funds?4592 Answer. Pacific salmon are critically important to the culture,4593recreation, and economy of Washington and the nation, especially the4594five species of salmon in Washington: Chinook, Coho, Chum, Pink, and4595Sockeye. It is my understanding that some of the populations are not4596showing the expected levels of recovery. If confirmed, I would welcome4597the opportunity to learn more about various plans and projects to help4598promote recovery.45994600 Question 4. Yes or No: Do you support further investments in Tribal4601salmon hatchery infrastructure?4602 Answer. I support the significant ecological and cultural benefits4603derived from well-managed hatchery programs. These facilities are4604essential for supporting the economic well-being of Tribal communities.4605NOAA will continue to lend its scientific expertise and collaborate4606closely with the Department of Interior and Tribal partners to ensure4607these services continue effectively.46084609 Question 5. Yes or No: Do you support moving the National Marine4610Fisheries Service, the Office of Protected Resources, or any of their4611activities and functions out of NOAA? If yes, explain why.4612 Answer. NOAA's FY 2026 President's Budget request proposes to4613transfer Endangered Species Act (ESA) and Marine Mammal Protection Act4614(MMPA) functions in the National Marine Fisheries Service Office of4615Protected Resources to the Department of Interior's U.S. Fish and4616Wildlife Service, which would improve coordination and efficiency, and4617streamline implementation of these statutes, reducing regulatory burden4618on American citizens and industry.46194620 NOAA Organic Act and Weather Act. During Secretary Lutnick's4621confirmation hearing in January, he testified that he did not support4622breaking up and dismantling NOAA. Unfortunately, that's exactly what4623the Administration is doing via executive actions.4624 One way to ensure certainty about NOAA's products and services that4625American families rely upon is to authorize NOAA in statute.46264627 Question 1. Yes or No: Do you support a NOAA Organic Act? If no,4628why not?4629 Answer. Yes. I believe NOAA is long overdue to have its mission4630authorized in statute. An organic act, at a high level, would provide4631clarity to NOAA's mission in statute. There is also value in not being4632overly prescriptive in an organic act to allow NOAA the flexibility to4633quickly evolve priorities and capabilities to improve its mission.46344635 Question 2. How would having an Organic Act protect communities4636from these disasters?4637 Answer. An Organic Act would eliminate ambiguities arising from4638dispersed authorities and could explicitly state NOAA's comprehensive4639role in protecting against impacts from the environmental phenomena it4640monitors.46414642 Question 3. Yes or No: Do you support the Weather Act4643Reauthorization? If no, why not?4644 Answer. Yes.46454646 Northwest Fisheries Science Center. A significant portion of salmon4647research occurs at the Northwest Fisheries Science Center in Seattle.4648That building is in dire need of replacement. I previously secured4649funding for a new building that could be collocated with the University4650of Washington, but it was rescinded by the reconciliation bill.46514652 Question 1. Do you support replacing the Northwest lab facility?4653 Answer. NOAA facilities, such as the Northwest Fisheries Science4654Center, are crucial for the agency's mission. These facilities support4655vital research, including that for Pacific salmon and steelhead4656recovery, which is critical to the economy, culture, and Tribal Treaty4657Rights in the Pacific Northwest. Investments in and replacement of4658these facilities is important but need to be approached in a manner4659that is realistic and sustainable. If confirmed, I will work with4660Congress, GSA, and partners on any appropriate steps related to the4661Northwest Fisheries Science Center.46624663 Salmon Infrastructure. Salmon are central to the state of4664Washington's economy, culture, Tribal Treaty Rights, and our identity4665in the Pacific Northwest. We need a refined strategy with bold actions4666that restores critical habitats and advances innovative science to turn4667the tide on salmon declines so that we can make meaningful progress on4668salmon restoration.46694670 Question 1. Yes or No: Do you support including salmon4671infrastructure, such as funding for hatcheries and culvert removal, in4672future infrastructure and surface transportation packages?4673 Answer. NOAA considers the Tribes key partners in fisheries4674management and will continue to work with them on fisheries issues.46754676 Question 2. If confirmed, will you work with me to solve problems4677that harm salmon populations such as culverts and hazardous tire4678chemicals?4679 Answer. I understand the cultural and economic value of salmon and,4680if confirmed, will work with Congress on appropriate solutions to limit4681harm to this important resource.46824683 Modernizing Satellites. In an exchange with Senator Capito4684regarding weather alerts, you referenced an opportunity to ``modernize4685NOAA weather radio and potentially look at satellite capabilities.''46864687 Question 1. Can you elaborate on how you would like to modernize4688NOAA weather radio and satellite capabilities in this way?4689 Answer. NOAA Weather Radio is one of the most valuable4690communications tools available, but it relies heavily on copper wires4691for broadcast. However, this reliance on copper is expensive, limited,4692and susceptible to extreme temperatures. By leveraging satellite4693capabilities, NOAA could strengthen its communication tools and ensure4694more reliable broadcasts of weather alerts. This modernization could4695improve the dissemination of critical information, particularly during4696severe weather events. If confirmed, I will work with the National4697Weather Service and partners to better understand the possibilities and4698resources needed to modernize NOAA Weather Radio.46994700 Question 2. Do you have concerns that a decreased NOAA budget will4701make it difficult to complete projects like this, which you called a4702``priority''?4703 Answer. If confirmed, I will work to ensure NOAA fulfills its4704mission requirements.47054706 NOAA Communication. In an exchange with Senator Hickenlooper during4707your hearing, you testified, ``I'm not in the agency yet.''47084709 Question 1. Have you entered any NOAA or DOC facility since you4710were nominated on February 3, 2025? If yes, please specify the4711location, date, time, and circumstances for each instance.4712 Answer. A couple times in February and March I went to NCEP for4713community UFS meetings as part of my position at UCAR. I was in HCHB4714May 15th and 16th working on my questionnaire and getting it notarized.4715I was in DOC HCHB part of week 1 of June for some meet and greets and4716the NOAA Fish Fry. I went to both HCHB and SSMC3 June 10 and 11 to get4717some material for hearing prep and for a retirement party. HCHB July 1,47182, 7, 8th for hearing prep.47194720 Question 2. Have you communicated with Secretary Lutnick or Deputy4721Secretary Dabbar since your nomination regarding any policy, program,4722or activity related to NOAA? If yes, please specify the date, subject4723matter, participants, and circumstances for each interaction.4724 Answer. I have had a few high-level conversations to discuss my4725onboarding if confirmed as well as a general meet-and-greet to get to4726know future colleagues.47274728 Question 3. Have you provided advice on NOAA policy, programs, or4729operations with any NOAA or DOC official since your nomination not4730reflected in the above question? If yes, please specify the date,4731subject matter, participants, and circumstances for each interaction.4732 Answer. As part of my position with UCAR that deals with the UFS, I4733attended monthly virtual meetings for model development that were4734attended by NOAA employees. The community UFS is a community-led effort4735out of UCAR.47364737 Dismantling the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration4738(NOAA). The Trump Administration is pursuing a FY 2026 budget proposal4739that would reduce NOAA's budget by 27 percent, eliminate4740Congressionally mandated programs, and transfer part of the National4741Marine Fisheries Service to the Interior Department.4742 During his confirmation hearing, Secretary Lutnick told me that he4743has, ``no interest in separating'' NOAA and that breaking up NOAA, ``is4744not on my agenda.'' Yet, that is exactly what the Administration is4745trying to do.47464747 Question 1. Do you support any function, mission, or4748congressionally authorized or appropriated work within NOAA, or4749executed by NOAA, being moved out of the NOAA or the Department of4750Commerce? If yes, please describe.4751 Answer. I recognize the ongoing discussions regarding NOAA's4752structure. If confirmed, I will work to ensure that NOAA's critical4753missions--from weather forecasting to ocean and fisheries management--4754continue to be executed with the utmost effectiveness and scientific4755rigor, regardless of any potential organizational changes.47564757 NOAA Research. As an atmospheric scientist, you understand the4758importance of scientific research and development. The FY 20264759Presidential Budget proposes eliminating the Office of Oceanic and4760Atmospheric Research (OAR) as a line office. The budget would terminate4761all funding for NOAA's Research Laboratories and Cooperative4762Institutes, Regional Climate Data and Information, Climate Competitive4763Research, National Sea Grant College Program, and the National4764Oceanographic Partnership Program.47654766 Question 1. Yes or no, do you support eliminating OAR? If yes,4767explain why.4768 Answer. I support the President's budget request for NOAA. The4769budget request streamlines agency operations and prioritizes its public4770safety mission, while providing for efficiencies within NOAA research4771by more closely aligning operational and research components to foster4772collaboration and drive innovation. This realignment will strengthen4773delivery of actionable science to NOAA's operational end-users and4774remains responsive to the needs of the public.47754776 Question 2. Do you believe NOAA/NWS forecast improvements will4777flatline or degrade if this research is eliminated?4778 Answer. Research to support forecast improvements is being4779realigned to sit closer to the National Weather Service to strengthen4780the transition from research to operations.47814782 Question 3. How do you define climate?4783 Answer. In the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of47842017, ``seasonal'' is defined as the time range between 3 months and 24785years, and ``subseasonal'' is defined as the time range between 2 weeks4786and 3 months. It is implied that ``climate'' is the time range beyond4787seasonal.47884789 Question 4. What do you believe is NOAA's role in climate research?4790 Answer. NOAA's mission to understand and predict changes in4791weather, oceans, climate, and coasts, and to provide this information4792to decision-makers. NOAA accomplishes this goal through long-term4793observations, cutting-edge modeling, and scientific analysis.47944795 Question 5. Do you support fully funding NOAA's Cooperative4796Institutes?4797 Answer. I support the President's budget request to streamline4798agency operations, prioritize its public safety mission, and find4799efficiencies. My priority will be to maintain this mission by ensuring4800research remains focused, responsive, and tightly linked to the needs4801of the public.48024803 Question 6. Do you support fully funding the NOAA Research4804Laboratories?4805 Answer. I support the President's budget request to streamline4806agency operations, prioritize its public safety mission, and find4807efficiencies. I support the research capabilities provided by these4808laboratories and will ensure these capabilities continue to advance4809NOAA's mission.48104811 Question 7. The National Severe Storm Laboratory's experimental4812Warn-on-Forecast System is working to improve lead times for tornado4813and severe weather warnings. Do you support continuing the Warn-on-4814Forecast System and similar weather research efforts?4815 Answer. Warn-on-Forecast is a very successful modeling system.4816Despite being considered a research project, it has been used4817operationally to assist in NWS's public safety mission. I support4818transitioning programs such as this into operations to keep Americans4819safe.48204821 Question 8. How will you ensure the safety of the American public4822if OAR programs that aim to prepare communities to face extreme weather4823events are dismantled?4824 Answer. I will continue to support NOAA's mission of providing4825environmental data to decision makers and ensure that NOAA is4826adequately staffed to meet this mission. My understanding is that4827programs that support community preparedness for extreme weather are4828being realigned within the National Weather Service and National Ocean4829Service to ensure they are aligned with operational end-users.48304831 Climate Adaptation Partnerships. There are 13 NOAA Climate4832Adaptation Partnership (CAP) teams around the country. And yet, the4833grant to only one, the Northwest Climate Resilience Collaborative4834(NCRC) based at the University of Washington, remains terminated by the4835Administration.4836 The NCRC team addresses unique needs of the region, including those4837related to extreme heat that led to more than 400 deaths in Washington4838due to the ``heat dome'' that descended on the region during the summer4839of 2021. NCRC also helps vulnerable populations to mitigate against the4840negative health effects of wildfire smoke and extreme heat.48414842 Question 1. Could you provide us with the rationale for why this4843grant is the only one that remains terminated?4844 Answer. I appreciate your support for the CAP program. I am not4845privy to current administration actions.48464847 Question 2. Another team has had its grant restored. What steps can4848the NCRC take to have its grant restored?4849 Answer. I am not privy to current administration actions.48504851 Scientific Integrity. During your previous service as Acting NOAA4852Administrator, the Department of Commerce Inspector General found that4853NOAA officials, including you, issued statements under political4854pressure that contradicted the scientific forecasts from the National4855Weather Service. NOAA also commissioned an investigation by the4856National Academy of Public Administration that found you violated NOAA4857scientific integrity policies.48584859 Question 1. Do you commit to uphold and abide by NOAA's scientific4860integrity policy if confirmed?4861 Answer. I am committed to promoting scientific integrity within4862NOAA. I have valued, promoted and benefited from scientific integrity4863throughout my career, in academia, industry and at NOAA and will4864continue to champion it going forward.48654866 Question 2. What specific lessons have you learned after being4867found to have violated NOAA's scientific integrity policies?4868 Answer. I commit to rigorous adherence to and enforcement of4869scientific integrity policies to ensure NOAA's forecasts cannot be4870compromised.48714872 Question 3. What specific steps will you take to ensure that NOAA's4873forecasts cannot be compromised and career scientists are empowered to4874publish and communicate their findings without political interference4875in the future?4876 Answer. I commit to rigorous adherence to and enforcement of4877scientific integrity policies to ensure NOAA's forecasts cannot be4878compromised.48794880 Contract Review. Currently, all NOAA contracts and grants greater4881than $100k require Secretary Lutnick's personal approval. There are4882thousands of contracts and grants that meet that threshold. As you can4883imagine, this has resulted in a significant bottleneck, causing4884critical contracts to terminate, lapse, or be signed mere hours before4885they expire.48864887 Question 1. Do you support this practice?4888 Answer. Yes. I recognize the critical importance of timely and4889affective contract and grant execution to NOAA's mission. Following the4890Administration's Executive Orders on procurement and contracting, the4891Department of Commerce has implemented an updated review process for4892contracts and grants, including those over $100,000. I am committed to4893working closely with the Department to ensure that this process4894protects integrity, while also allowing NOAA to carry out its4895responsibilities without unnecessary disruption.48964897 Question 2. What will you do to ensure NOAA contracts are reviewed4898in a timely and efficient manner without inadvertent lapses?4899 Answer. I will work closely with NOAA and the Department of4900Commerce to assist in timely review of contracts.49014902 Question 3. Will you commit to alerting Congress of the lapse or4903cancellation of any monetarily or operationally significant contracts4904in a timely manner?4905 Answer. I will work through the appropriate Congressional Affairs4906office and the Department of Commerce to ensure information is4907transmitted in a timely manner.49084909 Geostationary Extended Observations (GeoXO) Satellite System. As4910the GOES-R satellites end their operational lifetime, the GeoXO4911satellites will replace them. Currently NOAA plans to launch six4912satellites with instruments including a lightning mapper (LMX), Sounder4913(GXS), Atmospheric Composition (ACX), Imager (GXI), and Ocean Color4914(OCX). The GeoXO Sounder will improve regional forecast accuracy by 404915percent and is tailored to improve forecasts of rapidly changing4916convective events like the severe storms that caused catastrophic4917flooding in Texas.49184919 Question 1. Do you support NOAA's current plan for six satellites?4920 Answer. I am not privy to the status of current instrument4921contracts and their life-cycle procurement and management. If4922confirmed, I look forward to reviewing the Agency's plans for their4923next generation geostationary satellite constellation.49244925 Question 2. What can NOAA do to maintain the launch timeline and4926avoid a gap in coverage?4927 Answer. To maintain launch timelines and avoid data gaps, NOAA4928should ensure it works with its Federal partners and stakeholders on4929procurement schedules, system integration, and constellation4930management. NOAA should also, where appropriate and feasible, consider4931partnerships with other Federal agencies and the private sector for4932unique orbits and data that support public safety and operational4933readiness.49344935 Question 3. The plan laid out for the GeoXO program under your4936leadership during the first Trump Administration also included4937economically beneficial ocean color, atmospheric composition, and4938lightening mapper observations. These instruments help us monitor air4939quality impacts from pollution and smoke, predict the intensity of4940hurricanes and respond to wildfires, and track ocean pollution, water4941quality, and hazards like harmful algal blooms that can impact4942fisheries and water supplies. Do you still support including4943instruments for these observations on GeoXO satellites?4944 Answer. I am not privy to the status of current instrument4945contracts and their life-cycle procurement and management. If4946confirmed, I look forward to reviewing NOAA's plan for the GeoXO4947constellation. I will continue to support NOAA's observing networks4948that improve NOAA's mission.49494950 Question 4. Do you support cancelling existing contracts that would4951incur large penalties?4952 Answer. I am not privy to the status of current contracts or4953procurement decisions. The Administration is committed to cost4954efficiency and ending wasteful government spending. If confirmed, I4955will continue to support networks that improve NOAA's mission and4956support public safety while balancing budgetary constraints.49574958 Fisheries. According to the latest statistics from 2022, U.S.4959commercial and recreational fisheries generated $321 billion in sales,49602.3 million jobs, and $149.8 billion in value-added to the U.S.4961economy. Commercial fisheries landings alone were valued at $5.94962billion, and recreational fishermen took 201 million fishing trips that4963year. Communities across the country rely on these fisheries and the4964benefits they provide. They also rely on NOAA Fisheries providing world4965class science and management to support this fishing activity.49664967 Question 1. Will you commit to investing effort and resources into4968improving fishery data systems, navigating climate change, and other4969pressures on fisheries?4970 Answer. I look forward to working with all stakeholders to address4971pressures on American fisheries. In addition to promoting the4972production, sale, and trade of U.S. fishery and aquaculture products,4973embracing new technologies and science-based approaches to stock4974assessments will benefit both the U.S. commercial fishing industry and4975recreational fishing community.49764977 Question 2. Will you commit to ensuring stock assessment surveys4978are completed?4979 Answer. If confirmed, I will work to ensure NOAA has the needed4980resources to prioritize surveys, including addressing professional4981mariner vacancies and retention, and expanding the use of uncrewed4982systems to augment NOAA's ability to conduct surveys.49834984 Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS). IOOS provides real-time4985data that are a critical part of accurate weather forecasting and4986provide information that keep fishermen, mariners, and recreational4987boaters safe while at sea. They also provide information that is4988essential for harmful algal bloom forecasting. However, the4989administration has proposed eliminating funding for regional IOOS4990networks.49914992 Question 1. Do you support this critical program that aids in4993weather forecasting, benefits our Nation's fisheries, supports4994commerce, and keeps Americans safe on the water?4995 Answer. I am supportive of NOAA continuing to give public access to4996regional ocean observing data, and will prioritize the integration of4997available federal, academic, private sector and non-profit ocean data.4998I remain supportive of maintaining accessibility of ocean information4999in support of defense, maritime navigation, commerce, public health and5000safety, weather forecasting, fisheries, marine conservation and5001protected areas, and ocean and Great Lakes resource management.50025003 Illegal, Unregulated, and Unreported (IUU) Fishing. IUU fishing is5004a key driver of global overfishing that threatens marine ecosystems,5005food security, and regional stability. It's a major global challenge5006that requires a whole-of-government approach by U.S. agencies for5007effective data collection, sharing of information, and enforcement5008efforts. The recent Executive Order 14276 on seafood competitiveness5009emphasized the urgency of protecting U.S. markets and maritime security5010from threats posed by IUU fishing and those products entering U.S.5011supply chains. It explicitly calls for enhanced Federal efforts to5012counter IUU fishing, improve traceability of seafood products, and5013coordinate more effectively across agencies, including CBP, Coast5014Guard, and the State Department. Given the scale of the threat and the5015vulnerabilities in U.S. seafood supply chains, this EO represents an5016opportunity and responsibility for NOAA to lead and act quickly.50175018 Question 1. What actions will you take to ensure NOAA's efforts to5019address IUU fishing is prioritized and sufficiently resourced?5020 Answer. Combating IUU fishing is critical to protecting American5021seafood competitiveness. If confirmed, I will ensure that NOAA is5022advancing stronger enforcement, expanding the Seafood Import Monitoring5023Program, and working with global partners to close loopholes that allow5024illegally caught fish into the U.S. market.50255026 Question 2. What actions will you take to improve coordination5027between NOAA and other agencies and ensure a whole-of-government5028approach to combating IUU fishing?5029 Answer. The recent Executive Order on Seafood Competitiveness,5030building on EO 13921, directs DOC and the Office of the United States5031Trade Representative (USTR) to assess seafood competitiveness issues5032and jointly develop a comprehensive seafood strategy, and convenes the5033interagency Seafood Trade Task Force co-chaired by USTR and DOC. If5034confirmed, I plan to use this vehicle to advance objectives to improve5035access to foreign markets, address unfair trade practices, and ensure a5036fair and competitive domestic market for U.S. seafood producers.50375038 Extreme Weather. According to NOAA, since 1980 we've had an average5039of nine extreme weather events annually that cost over $1 billion each.5040However, in the last five years, that has spiked to 23 events per year,5041and last year it was 27 events. Climate change is driving more intense5042hurricanes, more frequent severe atmospheric rivers, rain events, and5043is doubling the number of wildfires. NOAA plays a principal role in5044ensuring the American public is informed and prepared to respond to5045extreme weather events.50465047 Question 1. As extreme weather events across the country become5048more frequent, what do you believe is NOAA's role in coordinating5049resilience and response efforts?5050 Answer. NOAA's role in coordinating resilience and response efforts5051is central to supporting the U.S. government's ability to respond to5052extreme weather events. NOAA provides authoritative data, tools, and5053forecasts to decision-makers.50545055 Question 2. How will you improve NOAA's cooperation with local5056emergency managers during extreme weather events?5057 Answer. NOAA plays a crucial role in supporting emergency managers5058before, during and after hazardous weather events. This relationship5059between NOAA and emergency managers is built around communication,5060coordination, and data sharing to help protect lives and property. If5061confirmed, I will prioritize improvements including adopting new5062technologies, embedding of NWS staff in Emergency Operations Centers to5063provide face-to-face support, and continued enhancement of NWS's5064messaging and impact-based decision support services.50655066 Question 3. NOAA/NWS radars are nearing end of life. What plan5067would you enact as NOAA Administrator to ensure these crucial5068instruments are upgraded and replaced with little to no interruption of5069data?5070 Answer. The National Weather Service radars are reaching the end of5071their life span in the 2030s. NWS is actively working on a plan to5072upgrade and/or replace radars. If confirmed, I will work with NOAA5073lines offices to ensure NOAA radar systems continue to meet mission5074requirements, and that advanced planning is underway to eventually5075replace these systems in the future using the best available science5076and innovation.50775078 Commercial Data and Services. Project 2025 proposes that ``NWS5079should fully commercialize its forecasting operations'' and encourages5080increased use of private sector data and services. As a government5081agency funded by taxpayer money, NOAA is a trusted source of free,5082reliable data.50835084 Question 1. What do you see as NOAA's core government functions5085that cannot be privatized or commercialized, particularly at NWS and5086NESDIS?5087 Answer. NOAA's public safety mission and its weather forecasting5088are core government functions that Americans across the country rely on5089every day. NOAA has historically utilized data and expertise from non-5090government sources to help it create and improve its weather models.5091NOAA relies heavily on non-governmental partners to help build its5092observing networks and infrastructure. However, the products and5093services derived from these observing systems and infrastructure are a5094core government function.50955096 Question 2. How will you ensure that NOAA avoids ``vendor lock''5097when incorporating more commercial data and services?5098 Answer. NOAA takes commercial marketplace offerings into5099consideration when reviewing potential new sources of data. Increased5100use of industry engagement, such as industry days, general requests for5101information, and advanced planning can help ensure NOAA has an adequate5102understanding of commercial capabilities, and where these capabilities5103align NOAA mission needs.51045105 Question 3. Currently, NOAA data is openly available to the public,5106but if NOAA buys data from private companies using taxpayer money, how5107will you ensure data will be made publicly available?5108 Answer. NOAA's products and services are made available to the5109public. NOAA has historically acquired data from non-traditional or5110non-governmental partners, often with open redistribution licenses.5111There have been instances of limited redistribution restrictions;5112however, NOAA and government end-users, as well as researchers,5113typically have access to these datasets through research-only5114agreements or with time-lagged full access.51155116 Question 4. Do you agree that NOAA satellites and associated ground5117and data systems are core public infrastructure and a national security5118asset?5119 Answer. NOAA's current satellites and ground systems in use are5120taxpayer funded public infrastructure and national security assets.5121Climate Change5122 Question 1. Yes or No: Do you agree with the scientific consensus5123that human activity is the primary cause of climate change?5124 Answer. In the absence of various short-term natural forcings that5125can often dominate the surface and lower-tropospheric temperature5126measurements, humans do have an impact through greenhouse gas5127emissions.51285129 Question 2. Yes or No: Do you agree with the scientific consensus5130that climate change is driving more intense and more frequent severe5131weather events?5132 Answer. Scientific consensus, according to the Intergovernmental5133Panel on Climate Change's latest Assessment Report (AR6, Chapter 12,5134Table 12.12), is not uniform across each type and event, with some5135events such as tropical cyclones, heavy precipitation, and floods5136receiving low confidence in observed trends, while other events are5137listed as medium confidence. NOAA will continue to work to understand5138and predict changes in the weather, oceans, climate, and coasts.5139 ______51405141 Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Edward Markey to5142 Neil Jacobs5143 Question 1. Do you agree that warming waters, caused by climate5144change, are causing fish stocks to shift from their traditional ports?5145If confirmed, how would you support adaptive fisheries management5146policies and initiatives?5147 Answer. I recognize that many stocks are shifting. If confirmed, I5148will focus on maintaining scientific assessment capabilities within5149NOAA Fisheries, leveraging data and modeling advancements, and5150providing actionable decision support to our management partners.51515152 Do you believe that eliminating funding to interjurisdictional5153fisheries grants will help fishermen deal with shifting stocks? If yes,5154please explain why.5155 Answer. I recognize that many stocks are shifting, resulting in5156increased operational costs and challenges for the American fishing5157fleet. If confirmed, I will work to identify ways to support fishermen5158dealing with shifting stocks, including through grants, technology and5159modeling advancements, and provision of data and actionable decision5160support to our management partners.51615162 Question 2. The Trump budget would cut the National Marine5163Fisheries Service by 33 percent, zeroing out programs that include5164interjurisdictional fisheries grants, species recovery funds, and5165salmon programs. The proposal also cuts fisheries management programs5166and services by 25 percent.5167 Do you believe that cutting funds intended to aid fish species5168recovery will support American seafood competitiveness? If yes, please5169explain why.5170 Answer. I support the President's Budget. The recent Executive5171Order on Seafood Competitiveness, building on EO 13921, directs DOC and5172the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to assess5173seafood competitiveness issues and jointly develop a comprehensive5174seafood strategy, and convenes the interagency Seafood Trade Task Force5175co-chaired by USTR and DOC. I plan to use this vehicle to advance5176objectives to improve access to foreign markets, address unfair trade5177practices, and ensure a fair and competitive domestic market for U.S.5178seafood producers.51795180 Do you believe reduced funding to fisheries management programs5181will support American fishermen in getting up-to-date information,5182quotas, and Federal aid? If yes, please explain why reduced resources5183for this service will support American fishermen.5184 Answer. Supporting American fishermen is a priority of this5185Administration. If confirmed, I commit to evaluating all options and5186resources to achieve that goal.51875188 Question 3. How do you plan to ensure that fisheries surveys take5189place on time across the nation, following the reductions in force and5190budget--especially considering American fishermen are already5191experiencing ongoing lapses in survey data caused by insufficient5192funds?5193 Answer. If confirmed, I will focus on addressing professional5194mariner vacancies and retention and expanding the use of uncrewed5195systems to augment NOAA's ability to conduct surveys.51965197 Question 4. The President's proposed budget for Fiscal Year 20265198eliminates NOAA's primary research arm--the Office of Oceanic and5199Atmospheric Research (OAR). This would zero out funding for vital5200weather and climate research programs that enable reliable, accurate5201forecasting, and a better understanding of the climate crisis. You5202testified that OAR programs will simply be reorganized into different5203offices, yet many critical OAR programs that are necessary to5204Massachusetts and the rest of the Nation are zeroed out and not simply5205moved. Do you believe that eliminating funding for the research and5206science that underpins National Weather Service and National Ocean5207Service data result in improved forecasting? If yes, please explain5208how.5209 Answer. I support the President's budget request for NOAA. The5210budget request streamlines agency operations and prioritizes its public5211safety mission, while providing for efficiencies within NOAA research5212by more closely aligning operational and research components to foster5213collaboration and drive innovation. This realignment will strengthen5214delivery of actionable science to NOAA's operational end-users and5215remains responsive to the needs of the public. If confirmed, I will5216continue to support NOAA's mission of providing environmental data to5217decision makers and ensure that NOAA is adequately staffed to meet this5218mission. My understanding is that programs that support community5219preparedness for extreme weather are being realigned within the5220National Weather Service and National Ocean Service to ensure they are5221aligned with operational end-users.52225223 Question 5. During our meeting, you agreed that ocean observations5224are critically important for accurate weather forecasting. During your5225nomination hearing, when asked about how you would improve weather5226forecasting, you said accurate forecasting relies on ``more and better5227observations because these predictions are initial value problems.''5228The President's Budget zeroes out the Integrated Ocean Observing System5229(IOOS), and the Sustainable Ocean Observation and Monitoring (SOOM)5230system budget would be cut significantly and is set to be moved under5231the National Ocean Service. In addition to all of the data these5232systems provide to researchers and others who work on or around the5233ocean, the Navy relies on utilizing NOAA sensor buoys to forecast how5234water conditions will affect submarine communications and operations,5235making them critical to our national defense.5236 Will you commit to advocate for observations and monitoring5237services?5238 Answer. I support public access to regional ocean observing data5239and will prioritize the integration of available federal, academic,5240private sector and non-profit ocean data.52415242 Will you ensure that these observing systems are able to provide5243undiminished and accurate data to the American people, our military,5244and small business owners?5245 Answer. I will work to maintain the accessibility of ocean5246information in support of defense, maritime navigation, commerce,5247public health and safety, weather forecasting, fisheries, marine5248conservation and protected areas, and ocean and Great Lakes resource5249management.52505251 Question 6. You have previously voiced support for Sea Grant. To5252all 34 states with a Sea Grant program, Sea Grant is part of their core5253capabilities. Sea Grant is a smart and cost-effective investment in our5254coastal communities--in 2023, Sea Grant's return on investment of $945255million was nearly a full order of magnitude at a whopping $8285256million.5257 Do you support the Sea Grant program?5258 Answer. The President's budget request clearly focuses Federal5259spending.52605261 If eliminated, how would NOAA achieve Sea Grant's extension work,5262workforce development, and local innovation roles that are vital to5263American seafood competitiveness?5264 Answer. NOAA would support essential aspects of extension work and5265local innovation by focusing on data dissemination within NOAA5266Fisheries and the National Ocean Service.5267 Workforce development would be supported through NOAA's continued5268investments in foundational science and technology.52695270 Question 7. During our meeting, you spoke of the need for proactive5271measures that can prevent and mitigate devastating loss of life and5272property caused by severe weather events turbocharged by the climate5273crisis. The President's proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2026 would5274eliminate funding for NOAA's Climate Adaptation Partnerships Program.5275This program funds projects that improve risk communication during5276wildfires and storm surges and allow localities and states to create5277effective heat response plans. Projects like these can help us protect5278critical infrastructure, preserve homes, but most importantly--save5279lives.5280 Do you support the elimination of this program?5281 Answer. I support high priority ocean and weather research programs5282in the National Ocean Service and the National Weather Service.52835284 If yes, how will you ensure that the proactive measures you claim5285to support can be deployed successfully at the local and state level,5286where they are needed most?5287 Answer. If confirmed, my focus will be on providing critical5288scientific data and actionable insights that empower local and state5289planners to develop their own strategies.52905291 Question 8. In spite of increasingly severe and frequent weather5292events, NOAA has lost more than 1,875 employees since the start of this5293administration--amounting to a collective 27,000 years of expertise5294lost. During your confirmation hearing, you expressed support for5295National Weather Service staff at regional forecasting offices. If5296nominated to serve as Assistant Secretary and NOAA Administrator, will5297you commit to restoring staff levels at NWS forecasting offices to5298ensure that NOAA accomplishes its mission?5299 Answer. If confirmed, I will work with the National Weather Service5300and NOAA Office of Human Capital Services to ensure we have adequate5301staffing to effectively carry out its core, life-saving mission and5302strategic priorities.53035304 If not, how will you deliver on NOAA's mission without adequate NWS5305staffing levels?5306 ______53075308 Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Tammy Duckworth to5309 Neil Jacobs5310 NOAA's Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR), with a5311$738 million budget, funds a wealth of research programs including 105312major labs and 16 cooperative institutes--university-based research5313centers responsible for roughly half of NOAA's scientific research. The5314NOAA FY26 budget request terminates OAR, which includes these Climate5315Laboratories, Cooperative Institutes and research programs and all of5316the research that goes along with them.5317 The former head of OAR, Craig McLean stated these cuts would5318cripple U.S. global leadership on climate and ocean science, sending us5319back to the 1950s. He also said NOAA's research is inseparable from the5320agency's mission and that eliminating it would disrupt everything from5321tracking fish migration to forecasting hurricanes, heatwaves, wildfires5322and deadly floods.53235324 Question 1. Do you believe that NOAA's research is inseparable from5325the agency's mission, and critical in supporting key economic sectors5326and advancing vital national interests related to public safety,5327disaster preparedness and emergency response? Please explain.5328 Answer. NOAA's mission is vital to protecting lives, property,5329natural resources, and economic well-being.53305331 Question 2. Do you believe OAR and the major labs and cooperative5332institutes contribute critical work to our national research?5333 Answer. OAR programs that support community preparedness for severe5334weather are being realigned to ensure their work is more directly5335connected to operational programs within the National Weather Service5336and National Ocean Service. This realignment will strengthen delivery5337of actionable science to NOAA's operational end-users and remains5338responsive to the needs of the public. If confirmed, I will continue to5339support NOAA's mission of providing environmental data to decision5340makers and ensure that NOAA is adequately staffed to meet this mission.53415342 Question 3. Please explain how you will ensure these labs are5343staffed with the necessary experts and that their services will5344continue to deliver the science, data and resources to State agencies5345and the public that rely on them?5346 Answer. If confirmed, I will work to ensure that NOAA's critical5347missions--from weather forecasting to ocean and fisheries management--5348continue to be executed with the utmost effectiveness and scientific5349rigor, regardless of any potential organizational changes.5350 The Great Lakes Environmental Research Lab (GLERL) is a Cooperative5351Institute within the OAR. It is a NOAA regional center for innovative5352research that is critical in developing coastal forecast systems and5353toxic algal bloom forecasting, informing the restoration and management5354of sustainable ecosystems and resilient communities.53555356 Question 1. How will you maintain these Cooperative Institutes'5357labs, research and other services that they provide that are essential5358to public health of the Nation and the health of the Great Lakes?5359 Answer. My priority will be to maintain this mission by ensuring5360research remains focused, responsive, and tightly linked to the needs5361of the public.53625363 Question 2. Please explain how will NOAA continue to be an5364effective partner in the implementation of the Great Lakes Restoration5365Initiative when President Trump is seeking to terminate programs that5366support this bipartisan initiative?5367 Answer. I support the President's Budget. Even without dedicated5368program support for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, NOAA would5369still serve as the authoritative Federal source for foundational5370scientific capabilities essential to the Great Lakes.5371 Professional complaints were filed against you based on your5372involvement in Trump's inaccurate statements and use of a Sharpie pen5373to ridiculously, and falsely, mislead the public into believing that5374the National Weather Service (NWS) originally projected the storm area5375for Hurricane Dorian to include Alabama. This was a major scandal5376because it involved President Trump providing the public with incorrect5377information about the projected path of a dangerous Hurricane, and when5378corrected--instead of humbly acknowledging his mistake and thanking the5379NWS for correcting his erroneous warning--the President willfully and5380knowingly falsified an agency exhibit with a Sharpie pen in an effort5381to blame NWS for the inaccurate storm warning he tweeted to the people5382of Alabama. In a pathetic act of cowardice and sycophancy, under your5383leadership, NOAA sent an unsigned letter to NWS criticizing the agency5384for correcting the President's incorrect storm path warning. This5385scandal resulted in NOAA's Scientific Integrity Officer initiating an5386independent investigation that was conducted by the National Academy of5387Public Administration (NAPA).5388 NAPA found you violated NOAA's Code of Ethics for Science5389Supervision and Management in two of the three complaints.5390Specifically, NAPA found that you ``engaged in misconduct5391intentionally, knowingly or in reckless disregard of the Code of5392Scientific Conduct or Code of Ethics for Science Supervision and5393Management in NOAA's Scientific Integrity Policy.''53945395 Question 1. Do you concur with NAPA that you ``engaged in5396misconduct intentionally, knowingly or in reckless disregard of the5397Code of Scientific Conduct or Code of Ethics for Science Supervision5398and Management in NOAA's Scientific Integrity Policy''?5399 Answer. If confirmed, I will lead NOAA knowing that every action5400taken under my leadership will uphold transparency, rigor, and the5401unimpeded communication of scientific findings.54025403 Question 2. Effective leaders lead by example, shaping an5404organization's culture less with words than through demonstrated5405actions that exemplify the honor, integrity and values expected of all5406employees. Given an independent NAPA investigation determined that as5407Acting Administrator, you failed to uphold the Code of Scientific5408Conduct or the Code of Ethics for Science Supervision and Management in5409NOAA's Scientific Integrity Policy, why should this committee have5410confidence in your ability to lead NOAA and ensure agency compliance5411with all ethical codes related to scientific conduct and integrity?5412 Answer. I commit to rigorous adherence to and enforcement of5413scientific integrity policies to ensure NOAA's forecasts cannot be5414compromised.54155416 Question 3. What specific actions will you take to uphold NOAA's5417Scientific Integrity Policy and protect career scientists from5418political or commercial interference in their work?5419 Answer. I am committed to promoting scientific integrity within5420NOAA.54215422 Question 4. Will you commit to publicly disclosing any meetings or5423communications you have with former employers, former clients or former5424contractors related to NOAA's operations or contracting decisions?5425 Answer. Per my ethics agreement, I am recused from holding meetings5426with or being involved in contracting decisions involving former5427employers.5428 The horrific weather events in Texas further iterate the need for5429public, free, government-backed reliable and innovative weather5430forecasting and data. We cannot put people's lives at stake by turning5431weather forecasting and information into a subscription service. This5432would turn weather and safety information into just one more thing that5433would intentionally and disproportionally place economically5434disadvantaged households in harm's way.54355436 Question 1. Given NOAA's statutory obligation to provide free,5437government-backed weather and climate information, do you support5438continued public access to NOAA data without restriction or5439privatization?5440 Answer. I remain committed to maintaining accessibility of ocean5441information in support of defense, maritime navigation, commerce,5442public health and safety, weather forecasting, fisheries, marine5443conservation and protected areas, and ocean and Great Lakes resource5444management. In 2019, under my leadership, NOAA unveiled the Big Data5445Project, now called NOAA Open Data Dissemination, that improved public5446access to all NOAA data through partnerships with cloud service5447providers.54485449 Question 2. Please explain your view on the role of private-sector5450weather providers in relation to NOAA.5451 Answer. I am committed to continuing NOAA's status as the5452authoritative source for environmental data used to support the public,5453private, and academic sectors.54545455 Question 3. How will you ensure that NOAA's science and data remain5456accessible to the public, free from politicization or commercial5457barriers?5458 Answer. I support public access to relevant data. If confirmed, I5459will ensure that NOAA's critical mission will continue to be executed5460with the utmost effectiveness and scientific rigor.54615462 Question 4. How will you ensure NOAA programs, especially in5463climate resilience and weather forecasting, are equitably serving5464underserved and vulnerable communities?5465 Answer. NOAA has a responsibility to serve the American public. I5466am committed to ensuring that NOAA lives up to that responsibility.5467 President Joe Biden was the certified winner of the 20205468presidential election.54695470 Question 1. Please answer with ``yes'' or ``no''. Was President5471Biden certified as the winner of the 2020 presidential election because5472President Biden received more votes than President Trump in the 20205473presidential election?5474 Answer. Former President Joseph Biden was certified as the winner5475of the 2020 presidential election and sworn in as the forty-sixth5476President on January 20, 2021.54775478 Question 2. Please answer with ``yes'' or ``no''. Did President5479Trump lose the 2020 presidential election?5480 Answer. Former President Joseph Biden was certified as the winner5481of the 2020 presidential election and sworn in as the forty-sixth5482President on January 20, 2021.54835484 Question 3. Please answer with ``yes'' or ``no''. Did President5485Trump lose the popular vote in the 2020 presidential election?5486 Answer. Former President Joseph Biden was certified as the winner5487of the 2020 presidential election and sworn in as the forty-sixth5488President on January 20, 2021.54895490 Question 4. Please answer with ``yes'' or ``no''. Did President5491Trump lose the electoral college in the 2020 presidential election?5492 Answer. Former President Joseph Biden was certified as the winner5493of the 2020 presidential election and sworn in as the forty-sixth5494President on January 20, 2021.54955496 Question 5. If you were unable or unwilling to provide a ``yes'' or5497``no'' answer to any of the prior questions, please provide a detailed5498explanation justifying your refusal to provide such a clear and simple5499answer, including whether your refusal to provide a simple ``yes'' or5500``no'' answer indicates that you believe President Trump received more5501votes than President Biden in the 2020 presidential election.5502 Answer. See my responses to questions 1-4 above.55035504 The 14th Amendment states. ``No person shall be a Senator or5505Representative in Congress, or elector of President and Vice-President,5506or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or5507under any State, who, having previously taken an oath, as a member of5508Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member of any5509State legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any State,5510to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in5511insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to5512the enemies thereof. But Congress may by a vote of two-thirds of each5513House, remove such disability.''55145515 Question 1. Where were you on January 6, 2021?5516 Answer. I was at home in Arlington, VA.55175518 Question 2. Do you believe the events at the Capitol on January 6,55192021, were an insurrection, a rebellion against the Constitution of the5520United States, or both--and if you do not believe the events that5521occurred at or near the United States Capitol on that date comprised an5522insurrection or rebellion against the Constitution, please provide a5523detailed explanation explaining your belief.5524 This question is outside of the scope of my nomination to be Under5525Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere.55265527 Question 3. Why did you choose to resign, or choose not to resign,5528as Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere on January 6,55292021, or in the following days?5530 Answer. I chose to serve until the end of my term on January 20,55312021.55325533 Question 4. Do you support President Trump's decision to ``grant a5534full, complete and unconditional pardon to all other individuals5535convicted of offenses related to events that occurred at or near the5536United States Capitol on January 6, 2021''?5537 Answer. This question is outside of the scope of my nomination to5538be Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere.55395540 Question 5. Do you believe President Trump's decision to ``grant a5541full, complete and unconditional pardon to all other individuals5542convicted of offenses related to events that occurred at or near the5543United States Capitol on January 6, 2021'' is consistent with5544supporting law enforcement?5545 Answer. This question is outside of the scope of my nomination to5546be Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, but I have5547always rejected violence against law enforcement.5548 ______55495550 Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. John Hickenlooper to5551 Neil Jacobs5552 The Office of Oceanic & Atmospheric Research (OAR) is the key5553scientific arm of NOAA. NOAA's research and services are mission5554critical functions that can save countless lives. OAR plays a key role5555in supporting key research missions across the Earth System Research5556Laboratories, partner universities, and Cooperative Institutes in5557Boulder, CO.55585559 Question 1. Please restate your response for the record-do you5560believe the U.S. is making the necessary investments into scientific5561research and operational services through NOAA? Why or why not?5562 Answer. If confirmed as NOAA Administrator, my focus will always be5563on maximizing the impact of NOAA's diverse capabilities for the benefit5564of the Nation.55655566 Question 2. Within NOAA's purview, which fields of science do you5567believe require the most urgent attention by the agency? What outcomes5568do you hope to achieve or better understand in this stated field?5569 Answer. Earth system science is the interplay between many fields5570that NOAA deals with. To better predict the future state of the oceans5571or atmosphere, we need to better understand the various systems and how5572they interact.55735574 Question 3. How can the U.S. remain the world leader in scientific5575research and weather forecasting over other competitors?5576 Answer. If confirmed, one of my top priorities is to return the5577United States to the world's leader in global weather forecast5578modeling. As a matter of public safety, national security. and national5579pride, we will restore American technological superiority for this5580vital service for the country and our military serving around the5581world. This will require embracing new technologies, novel approaches,5582and partnering with industry to advance global observing systems.55835584 Question 4. What do you believe would be the consequences if the5585functions of OAR are discontinued or reorganized into the National5586Weather Service (NWS)? Do you believe the NWS is prepared to take on5587these additional responsibilities?5588 Answer. If confirmed, my goal will be to accelerate the application5589of cutting-edge science into real-time forecasting, improve5590collaboration between researchers and forecasters, and ultimately5591deliver more accurate and timely information to the public.55925593 Question 5. Will you commit to resisting all forms of political5594pressure when it comes to any decision related to NOAA's research,5595services, or funding appropriated by Congress?5596 Answer. I will promote scientific integrity within NOAA. I have5597valued, promoted and benefited from scientific integrity throughout my5598career, in academia, industry and at NOAA and will continue to champion5599it going forward.5600 Cooperative institutes maximize Federal investments by leveraging5601academic infrastructure and external funding to amplify NOAA's5602capabilities. NOAA's Cooperative Institutes across the nation--such as5603the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences5604(CIRES) and the Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere5605(CIRA) in Colorado--are vital partners in advancing NOAA's mission.5606These Institutes support everything from disaster forecasting to5607ecosystem monitoring, while also training the next generation of5608scientists and supporting regional economies. Their work represents a5609highly efficient Federal investment that leverages academic5610infrastructure and external funding to amplify NOAA's capabilities.56115612 Question 6. If confirmed, how would you increase NOAA's use of5613Cooperative Institutes to effectively deliver public services (e.g.,5614disaster forecasting, ecosystem monitoring)?5615 Answer. The Cooperative Institutes should prioritize research that5616has a path to operations, while at the same time considering reducing5617parallel and potentially redundant projects.56185619 Question 7. Will you commit to preserving the funding, resources,5620and partnerships NOAA has formed with all 16 Cooperative Institutes5621across the U.S.?5622 Answer. If confirmed, my priority will be to ensure research5623remains focused, responsive, and tightly linked to the needs of the5624public.5625 The United States' ability to accurately forecast extreme weather5626can help communities avoid catastrophe and save lives. Natural5627disasters cost the U.S. over $182 billion in damages last year alone.5628Reports indicate NOAA has stopped updating the database managed by the5629National Center for Environmental Information that tracks natural5630disasters which cause over $1 billion in damages. This will limit the5631scope of existing disaster records to only those that occurred between56321980 through 2024. Between 2020 and 2024, the frequency of natural5633disasters increased to a rough average of 23 per year.56345635 Question 8. Is our ability to forecast natural disasters an5636economic and national security imperative?5637 Answer. Yes.56385639 Question 9. Will you commit to restoring and updating NOAA's5640database managed by the National Center for Environmental Information5641that tracks natural disasters that cause over $1 billion in damages?5642 Answer. If confirmed, I will work to ensure that whatever data NCEI5643is collecting and managing will be made publicly available.56445645 Question 10. What do you believe is driving the increasing5646frequency of major natural disasters in the U.S.?5647 Answer. It really depends on what sort of natural disaster is being5648considered. When assessing trends of ``extreme storms'', according to5649the IPCC's AR6 Chapter 11, there is low confidence in trends related to5650tropical storm frequency (11.7.1.2), extratropical cyclones (11.7.2.1),5651and severe convection (11.7.3). This does not necessarily imply there5652is not a physical trend related to warming. There are historical data5653in homogeneities and limitations in instrumentation that make building5654long term datasets challenging. NOAA will continue to work to observe,5655understand, and predict changes in the weather, oceans, climate, and5656coasts.5657 The National Weather Service's Climate Prediction Center monitors5658drought and forecasts the outlook for the rain and snow to come. Long-5659term aridification is decreasing water availability across the West--5660especially in the Colorado River Basin, in its worst drought for 1,2005661years.56625663 Question 11. Will you commit the resources necessary to maintain5664NOAA's key role in understanding drought and managing water scarcity?5665 Answer. NOAA's role in understanding, forecasting, and5666communicating drought and other water security issues is vital to the5667American public. If confirmed, I will work to accelerate the5668application of cutting-edge science into real-time forecasting, improve5669collaboration between researchers and forecasters, and ultimately5670deliver more accurate and timely information to the public.5671 Since January 2025, NOAA and its National Weather Service have seen5672drastic reductions in force, which reduces our ability to forecast5673extreme weather.56745675 Question 12. What steps would you take to ensure that NOAA5676continues to invest in workforce development-including through its5677Cooperative Institutes and academic partnerships-to conduct scientific5678research or support operational capabilities?5679 Answer. If confirmed, I will evaluate our base of expertise, to5680ensure that NOAA can be a global leader in science by creating an5681environment where our researchers are empowered, valued, and able to5682deliver cutting-edge results for the American people. This includes5683working with stakeholders in workforce development. Workforce5684development will be supported through NOAA's continued investments in5685foundational science and technology, aiming to train experts needed for5686our modernized forecasting.5687 The United States' ability to accurately forecast extreme weather5688can help communities avoid catastrophe and save lives. Natural5689disasters cost the U.S. over $182 billion in damages last year alone.56905691 Question 13. Will you commit to restoring and updating NOAA's5692database managed by the National Center for Environmental Information5693that tracks natural disasters that cause over $1 billion in damages?5694 Answer. If confirmed, I commit to ensuring that the data NCEI is5695collecting and managing will be made publicly available and kept up to5696date.56975698 Question 14. Given recent efforts to restrict or eliminate access5699to key NOAA databases, will you commit to restoring public access to5700scientific data and halting any further attempts to obscure, delete, or5701withhold information from the public?5702 Answer. I remain committed to maintaining accessibility of ocean5703information in support of defense, maritime navigation, commerce,5704public health and safety, weather forecasting, fisheries, marine5705conservation and protected areas, and ocean and Great Lakes resource5706management. In 2019, under my leadership, NOAA unveiled the Big Data5707Project, now called NOAA Open Data Dissemination, that improved public5708access to all NOAA data through partnerships with cloud service5709providers.57105711 Question 15. Is our ability to forecast natural disasters an5712economic and national security imperative?5713 Answer. Yes.5714 NOAA's Fire Weather Testbed, based in Boulder, CO, helps increase5715wildfire resilience by researching and testing the use of monitoring5716technologies to become operational for land managers and first5717responders.57185719 Question 16. How will you ensure NOAA continues to play a key role5720in advancing research and mitigation strategies to prevent wildfires?5721 Answer. My thoughts continue to be with the people of Colorado who5722have suffered from past wildfires and those currently impacted in5723Chaffee County and elsewhere. If confirmed, my goal is to accelerate5724the application of cutting-edge science into real-time forecasting,5725improve collaboration between researchers and forecasters, and5726ultimately deliver more accurate and timely information to the public.5727 NOAA's services help regions conserve water, farmers increase crops5728yields, and land managers maintain or cultivate natural resources.5729Recent reports indicate the Secretary of Commerce is reviewing every5730Federal award valued at more than $100,000. Scientists have warned that5731awards are frozen during this review, at times simply because the term5732`sustainability' appears in a program title or project description.57335734 Question 17. In light of recent freezes to Federal grants5735administered by NOAA, what does the term ``sustainability'' mean to5736you? Please describe how you view NOAA's mission with respect to5737sustainability.5738 Answer. ``Sustainability'' means resource longevity and economic5739viability, primarily achieved through core scientific assessment,5740monitoring, and management advice.57415742 Question 18. How will you ensure NOAA's academic and research5743partnerships are not jeopardized by administrative delays or political5744interference, and that these vital collaborations remain uninterrupted5745and well-supported?5746 Answer. I recognize the critical importance of timely and affective5747contract and grant execution to NOAA's mission. Following the5748Administration's Executive Orders on procurement and contracting, the5749Department of Commerce has implemented an updated review process for5750contracts and grants, including those over $100,000. I am committed to5751working closely with the Department to ensure that this process5752protects integrity, while also allowing NOAA to carry out its5753responsibilities.5754 NOAA and many scientific researchers rely on spectrum to capture5755space-based observations of the Earth through remote sensing. Various5756spectrum frequencies are allocated to Federal agencies, including NOAA,5757and used to monitor the on-orbit location of satellites and communicate5758key datasets from space to scientists and forecasters here on Earth.57595760 Question 19. Do you believe NOAA has access to the necessary5761spectrum frequencies without interference from commercial users?5762 Answer. Ensuring that NOAA has continued access to frequencies for5763transmitting data without interference is extremely critical.5764 NOAA and the National Weather Service provide essential aviation5765weather data and analysis for use by the FAA, pilots, and air traffic5766controllers. This information can have far-reaching impacts and can5767make the difference between deciding it's safe enough to take off,5768choosing to stay on the ground due to incoming weather, or making mid-5769flight decisions about altitude or direction.57705771 Question 20. How will you ensure that NOAA maintains all the5772resources necessary to continue to provide this vital service that5773impacts the safety of so many people every day?5774 Answer. If confirmed, I will immediately begin working with the5775National Weather Service and NOAA Office of Human Capital Services to5776ensure we have adequate staffing to effectively carry out its core,5777life-saving mission and strategic priorities.5778 As required by the first Trump Administration, Space Policy5779Directive-3 required the Department of Defense to begin transitioning5780the collection and dissemination of space situational awareness (SSA)5781information and space traffic coordination (STC) responsibilities to5782the Department of Commerce. On a bipartisan basis, Congress has5783appropriated funds to the Office of Space Commerce within NOAA to5784develop the necessary capabilities, in partnership with private sector5785entities, to improve SSA on-orbit to avoid collisions and increase U.S.5786competitiveness in space. NOAA has continued this work by developing5787the Traffic Coordination System for Space (TraCSS) in line with5788Congressional intent.57895790 Question 21. Do you support the Office of Space Commerce continuing5791this work in managing TraCSS as required under SPD-3? Yes or no?5792 Answer. I am a strong advocate for American leadership in space and5793the role of the Office of Space Commerce. I believe that robust5794government-commercial partnerships are essential for space situational5795awareness, aligning with Congressional intent and Space Policy5796Directive 3 (SPD-3), and I will ensure that NOAA's investments in these5797programs are effectively leveraged.57985799 Question 22. Do you believe increasing amounts of space debris and5800traffic from orbiting satellites in space requires more, or less, SSA?5801Yes or no?5802 Answer. Space situational awareness will remain essential for5803safety sustainability and continued growth of the U.S. commercial space5804sector.58055806 Question 23. Do you believe, in addition to SSA, the United States5807could benefit from developing technologies that can remove or remediate5808existing space debris? Yes or no?5809 Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to working with you on the5810escalating challenge of debris in increasingly congested low earth5811orbits and any potential technologies to remove debris.58125813 Question 24. In your view, what are the tradeoffs and potential5814consequences of a proposal to migrate TraCSS from NOAA to a private5815operator?5816 Answer. Technologies in the commercial space sector are rapidly5817evolving changing the scope of tradeoffs. If confirmed, I look forward5818to working with you on finding an optimum balance of capabilities.58195820 Question 25. If confirmed, do you believe the Office of Space5821Commerce could benefit from additional appropriations, personnel, and5822resources? Yes or no?5823 Answer. If confirmed, I will work to support the safety,5824sustainably, and continued growth of the U.S. commercial space sector,5825including via the Office of Space Commerce.5826 NOAA reviews and approves license applications for satellite5827operators who wish to carry out remote sensing activities to observe5828the Earth from space through authorities granted by Congress and5829carried out by the Commercial Remote Sensing Regulatory Affairs (CRSRA)5830division within NOAA's Office of Space Commerce. Part of CRSRA's review5831process ensures licensed remote sensing activities meet U.S. objectives5832and satisfy treaty obligations the U.S. committed to under the Outer5833Space Treaty.5834 For in-space activities, NOAA reviews applications for remote5835sensing licenses, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) reviews5836applications for spectrum frequencies, and the Federal Aviation5837Administration (FAA) reviews applications for launch and reentry5838licenses. As innovation in space continues to rapidly advance, certain5839emerging in-space activities may not neatly fall under the regulatory5840purview of a single Federal agency with jurisdiction over in-space5841activities. This has reinvigorated a debate around whether ``Mission5842Authorization'' authorities should be granted to a Federal entity to5843promote U.S. leadership in space and maintain compliance under the5844Outer Space Treaty.58455846 Question 26. Do you believe NOAA, through the Office of Space5847Commerce, is equipped and prepared to carry out ``mission5848authorization'' responsibilities, if provided by Congress? Yes or no?5849 Answer. The Office of Space Commerce is well-positioned to carry5850out mission authorization responsibilities. If confirmed, I look5851forward to working with you on this topic to increase business5852certainty, investment prospects, and eliminate inconsistencies.58535854 Question 27. If NOAA, through the Office of Space Commerce, is5855granted Mission Authorization responsibilities, which emerging5856activities do you believe this licensing framework could apply to?5857Should those activities be specifically prescribed by Congress (e.g.,5858operating a commercial space station, conducting active debris5859remediation, etc.), or should NOAA be granted the flexibility to define5860the scope of the licensing framework by a set of flexible criteria?5861 Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to working with Congress and5862across the Administration on the scope of applicable activities.58635864 Question 28. If NOAA, through the Office of Space Commerce, is5865granted Mission Authorization responsibilities, will you commit to5866transparency and close coordination during the review process with5867Federal agencies and private entities?5868 Answer. Yes.58695870 Question 29. As with most licensing frameworks, review processes5871and predictable timelines are prescribed in statute and in regulation.5872Proposals have been introduced to create a ``presumption of approval''5873within a Mission Authorization framework to allow a private entity to5874simply carry out an in-space activity under a Mission Authorization5875framework if the Federal government does not respond to, or approve, a5876license within a certain timeline. What perspectives or concerns would5877you have with a ``presumption of approval'' provision if it were5878considered by Congress as part of a Mission Authorization framework?5879 Answer. The ``presumption of approval'' with the Office of Space5880Commerce's commercial remote sensing process has enabled NOAA to5881conduct regulatory reform and reduce permitting timelines consistent5882with President Trump's Space Policy Directive 2. This will best promote5883U.S. competitiveness through an open and transparent regulatory5884framework with clearly defined regulatory responsibilities and5885timelines and is made possible by close engagement with the commercial5886space sector.5887 ______58885889 Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. John Fetterman to5890 Neil Jacobs5891 Question 1. Dr. Jacobs, thank you for talking with me during the5892hearing about NOAA's pending designation of parts of Lake Erie as a5893marine sanctuary. I appreciated your positive response during the5894hearing. Will you commit again to work with me and my office to5895expeditiously finalize Lake Erie's designation as a national marine5896sanctuary if confirmed?5897 Answer. I appreciate your questions. Lake Erie is a special place.5898If confirmed, I will work with your office on Lake Erie when possible.58995900 Question 2. I am concerned with the National Weather Service's lack5901of meteorologists across the country, and most of all for the NWS5902office overseeing Lake Erie not having a meteorologist. If confirmed,5903you'll have to hire a significant number of staff across the country.5904Will you prioritize filling the meteorologist position, and other5905crucial staff positions, to support safety in the Lake Erie region?5906 Answer. If confirmed, I will immediately begin working with the5907National Weather Service and NOAA Office of Human Capital Services to5908ensure we have adequate staffing to effectively carry out its core,5909life-saving mission and strategic priorities.5910 ______59115912 Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Maria Cantwell to5913 Taylor Jordan5914 NOAA Organic Act and Weather Act. During Secretary Lutnick's5915confirmation hearing in January, he testified that he did not support5916breaking up and dismantling NOAA. Unfortunately, that's exactly what5917the Administration is doing via executive actions.5918 One way to ensure certainty about NOAA's products and services that5919American families rely upon is to authorize NOAA in statute.59205921 Question 1. Yes or No: Do you support a NOAA Organic Act? If no,5922why not?5923 Answer. Yes, an organic act, at a high level, would provide clarity5924to NOAA's mission in statute. There is also value in not being overly5925prescriptive in an organic act to allow NOAA the flexibility to quickly5926evolve priorities and capabilities to improve its mission.59275928 Question 2. How would having an Organic Act protect communities5929from these disasters?5930 Answer. NOAA's mission is to understand and predict changes in5931weather, oceans, climate, and coasts, and to share that information5932with decision-makers. Authorizing NOAA's mission would provide5933communities with continued critical information to protect against5934impacts from environmental phenomena.59355936 Question 3. Yes or No: Do you support the Weather Act5937Reauthorization? If no, why not?5938 Answer. I support continuing to authorize NOAA's public safety5939mission and ensuring weather research is transitioned to operations. I5940look forward to working with the Committee.59415942 Tribal Consultation. With 29 tribes in the Northwest, we understand5943the importance of government-to-government consultation. However,5944sometimes agencies forget this and I hope you can help restore that5945process.59465947 Question 1. Yes or No: Do you support Tribal government to5948government consultation?5949 Answer. Yes.59505951 Question 2. Tribes are impacted by weather forecasts, sea level5952rise, and climate change. Do you agree that Tribes should be consulted5953on weather and resilience related programs, in addition to fisheries?5954 Answer. Yes.59555956 Question 3. Will you ensure NOAA is adequately staffed so that5957Tribes are able to access meaningful government-to-government5958consultation and technical assistance on NOAA programs, including5959grants?5960 Answer. If confirmed, I will ensure NOAA is appropriately staffed5961to fulfill its mission.59625963 Dismantling the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration5964(NOAA). The Trump Administration is pursuing a FY 2026 budget proposal5965that would reduce NOAA's budget by 27 percent, eliminate5966Congressionally mandated programs, and transfer part of the National5967Marine Fisheries Service to the Interior Department.5968 During his confirmation hearing, Secretary Lutnick told me that he5969has, ``no interest in separating'' NOAA and that breaking up NOAA, ``is5970not on my agenda.'' Yet, that is exactly what the Administration is5971trying to do.59725973 Question 1. Do you support any function, mission, or5974congressionally authorized or appropriated work within NOAA, or5975executed by NOAA, being moved out of the NOAA or the Department of5976Commerce? If yes, please describe.5977 Answer. I am not at NOAA and not privy to any discussions related5978to NOAA programs or offices. If confirmed, I will ensure that NOAA's5979mission across line offices continues to execute with operational5980excellence regardless of potential organizational changes. I will5981prioritize improving NOAA's capabilities to provide benefit to the5982American taxpayer.59835984 NOAA Workforce Reductions. I have serious concerns about the5985current state of NOAA's workforce. Since January 2025, NOAA has lost a5986combined 27,000 years of experience. The resulting brain drain has5987impacted the entire agency. Overall, NOAA now has more than 3,0005988vacant positions across the agency.5989 On February 19, 2025, I sent a letter to Secretary Lutnick urging5990him to protect NOAA's critical workforce from the Trump5991Administration's reduction-in-force initiatives and hiring freeze,5992which would jeopardize the safety of the American public. Despite this5993warning, about 600 probationary employees were fired across various5994NOAA line offices, and over 1,000 employees have left through voluntary5995separation programs. These staffing shortages are disrupting NOAA's5996core functions. For instance, weather balloon launches have been5997suspended, and multiple Weather Forecast Offices no longer able to5998staff overnight shifts.59996000 Question 1. Yes or No: Do you believe NOAA can operate at its peak6001effectiveness when it has over 3,000 positions vacant?6002 Answer. I am currently not at NOAA and can not speak to specific6003program operations and staffing at this time. If confirmed, I will work6004to ensure NOAA continues to deliver and provide critical environmental6005information. I am confident that NOAA's workforce remains dedicated to6006scientific excellence and mission success.60076008 Question 2. Yes or No: Do you think that the agency's ability to6009carry out its mission effectively has been impacted by the loss of6010about 2,000 officials since January?6011 Answer. I am currently not at NOAA and can not speak to specific6012program operations and staffing at this time. As we have seen with6013recent National Weather Service forecasts during high-impact weather6014events, NOAA staff continue to provide life-saving information to6015decision-makers. I understand that NOAA has been granted exemption6016authority to staff the National Weather Service.60176018 Question 3. What specific steps would you take to protect NOAA's6019workforce and ensure staff capacity to execute NOAA's core missions?6020 Answer. If confirmed, I will continue to support NOAA's mission and6021ensure that it is adequately staffed to carry out its mission.60226023 Question 4. What specific steps would you take to ensure the6024National Weather Service has sufficient staff for all Weather Forecast6025Offices and to provide Americans with accurate and timely weather6026warnings?6027 Answer. I understand that NOAA has been granted authority to staff6028the National Weather Service. If confirmed, I will work with the6029National Weather Service and human capital services to ensure NOAA6030appropriately fills vacancies under the exceptions.60316032 Question 5. Executive Order 14170 implements a Federal hiring6033freeze, but it allows for exclusions for positions related to public6034safety. The National Weather Service has been given a limited exemption6035to rehire 126 positions. Would you advocate for an exemption to the6036hiring freeze under for any other NOAA positions? If so, which6037positions?6038 Answer. I am currently not at NOAA and can not speak to specific6039program operations and personnel at this time. If confirmed, I will6040continue to ensure that NOAA is adequately staffed to meet its mission6041and will evaluate how best to fulfill our critical mission areas across6042all offices.60436044 Question 6. What is your plan for rebuilding the base of expertise6045that has been lost, ensuring that our science remains cutting edge, and6046retaining experts that are otherwise likely to leave for work in other6047nations?6048 Answer. If confirmed, I will continue to support NOAA's mission of6049understanding and predicting changes in weather, oceans, climate, and6050coasts, and providing that information to decision-makers. I will6051ensure that NOAA remains a global leader in environmental science and6052delivers results for the American people by leveraging investments in6053modernization as well as talent development and retention efforts.60546055 NOAA Budget. The FY 2026 Presidential Budget $4.5B for NOAA, which6056would be a 27 percent decrease in funding from the enacted FY256057continuing resolution.60586059 Question 1. Yes or No: Do you support the FY 2026 Presidential6060Budget for NOAA?6061 Answer. Yes. I support the President's budget request for NOAA.60626063 Question 2. How would you maintain NOAA's leadership in ocean and6064atmospheric science under the proposed budget?6065 Answer. NOAA's FY26 Presidential Budget Request streamlines agency6066operations, prioritizes its public safety mission, and maintains NOAA's6067leadership in ocean and atmospheric sciences.60686069 NOAA Research. The FY 2026 Presidential Budget proposes eliminating6070the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) as a line office.6071The budget would terminate all funding for NOAA's Research Laboratories6072and Cooperative Institutes, Regional Climate Data and Information,6073Climate Competitive Research, National Sea Grant College Program, and6074the National Oceanographic Partnership Program.60756076 Question 1. Yes or no, do you support eliminating OAR? If yes,6077explain why.6078 Answer. I support the President's budget request for NOAA. The6079budget request streamlines agency operations and prioritizes its public6080safety mission, while providing for efficiencies within NOAA research6081by more closely aligning operational and research components to foster6082collaboration and drive innovation. This realignment will strengthen6083delivery of actionable science to NOAA's operational end-users and6084remain responsive to the needs of the public.60856086 Question 2. Do you believe NOAA/NWS forecasts improvements will6087flatline or degrade if this critical research is eliminated?6088 Answer. No.60896090 Question 3. How do you define climate?6091 Answer. As defined for environmental phenomena in the Weather6092Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017, ``seasonal'' is6093defined as the time range between 3 months and 2 years, and6094``subseasonal'' is defined as the time range between 2 weeks and 36095months. Discussions also indicated ``weather'' as the time between 06096days and 2 weeks, and ``climate'' as the time range beyond 2 years. I6097continue to believe these definitions are appropriate for patterns and6098trends in environmental phenomena.60996100 Question 4. What do you believe is NOAA's role in climate research?6101 Answer. NOAA's mission is to understand and predict changes in6102weather, oceans, climate, and coasts, and to provide this information.6103NOAA accomplishes this goal for climate research through long-term6104observations, modelling, and analysis.61056106 Question 5. Do you support fully funding NOAA's Cooperative6107Institutes?6108 Answer. I support the President's budget request to streamline6109agency operations, prioritize its public safety mission, and find6110efficiencies.61116112 Question 6. Do you support fully funding the NOAA Research6113Laboratories?6114 Answer. I support the President's budget request to streamline6115agency operations, prioritize its public safety mission, and find6116efficiencies.61176118 Question 7. The National Severe Storm Laboratory's experimental6119Warn-on-Forecast System is working to improve lead times for tornado6120and severe weather warnings. Do you support continuing the Warn-on-6121Forecast System and similar weather research efforts?6122 Answer. While I am not currently at NOAA and do not have specific6123program visibility, I will continue to support high priority weather6124research programs. As NOAA operational end-users identify successful6125research to improve the mission of public safety, I support6126transitioning research programs into operations to keep Americans out6127of harm's way.61286129 Question 8. How will you ensure the safety of the American public6130if OAR programs that aim to prepare communities to face extreme weather6131events are dismantled?6132 Answer. I will continue to support NOAA's mission of providing6133environmental data and ensuring that NOAA is adequately staffed to meet6134this mission. My understanding is that programs that support community6135preparedness for extreme weather are being realigned to ensure they6136support operational end-users.61376138 Climate Adaptation Partnerships. There are 13 NOAA Climate6139Adaptation Partnership teams around the country. And yet, the grant to6140only one, the Northwest Climate Resilience Collaborative (NCRC) based6141at the University of Washington, remains terminated by the6142Administration.6143 The NCRC team addresses unique needs of the region, including those6144related to extreme heat that led to more than 400 deaths in Washington6145due to the ``heat dome'' that descended on the region during the summer6146of 2021. NCRC also helps vulnerable populations to mitigate against the6147negative health effects of wildfire smoke and extreme heat.61486149 Question 1. Could you provide us with the rationale for why this6150grant is the only one that remains terminated?6151 Answer. I am not currently at NOAA and do not have visibility into6152specific programs or grant terminations.61536154 Question 2. Another team has had its grant restored. What steps can6155the NCRC take to have its grant restored?6156 Answer. I am not currently at NOAA and do not have visibility into6157specific programs or grant terminations.61586159 Scientific Integrity. NOAA defines scientific integrity as ``the6160adherence to professional practices, ethical behavior, and the6161principles of honesty and objectivity when conducting, managing, using6162the results of, and communicating about science and scientific6163activities. Inclusivity, transparency, and protection from6164inappropriate influence are hallmarks of scientific integrity.''61656166 Question 1. Do you commit to uphold and abide by NOAA's scientific6167integrity policy if confirmed?6168 Answer. I am committed to promoting scientific integrity at NOAA.61696170 Question 2. What specific lessons have you learned about the6171importance of abiding by NOAA's scientific integrity policies from your6172experience at NOAA during the first Trump Administration?6173 Answer. From my previous experience at the agency, NOAA scientists6174and forecasters develop expert environmental information and6175communicate this information to decision-makers, including at the local6176level. Their relationships with local officials and emergency managers6177provide critical linkages to ensure the public receives NOAA's6178information in a timely and accurate manner.61796180 Question 3. What specific steps will you take to ensure that NOAA's6181forecasts cannot be compromised and career scientists are empowered to6182publish and communicate their findings without political interference6183in the future?6184 Answer. I have and will continue to rely on NOAA's workforce to6185provide environmental information and will let science drive decision-6186making.61876188 Contract Review. Currently, all NOAA contracts and grants greater6189than $100k require Secretary Lutnick's personal approval. There are6190thousands of contracts and grants that meet that threshold. As you can6191imagine, this has resulted in a significant bottleneck, causing6192critical contracts to terminate, lapse, or be signed mere hours before6193they expire.61946195 Question 1. Do you support this practice?6196 Answer. I support Secretary Lutnick conducting thorough reviews of6197Department of Commerce contracts.61986199 Question 2. What will you do to ensure NOAA contracts are reviewed6200in a timely and efficient manner without inadvertent lapses?6201 Answer. I will work closely with NOAA and the Department of6202Commerce to assist in timely review of contracts.62036204 Question 3. Will you commit to alerting Congress of the lapse of6205cancellation of any monetarily or operationally significant contracts6206in a timely manner?6207 Answer. I will work through the appropriate Congressional Affairs6208office and the Department of Commerce to ensure information is6209transmitted in a timely manner.62106211 NOAA Authorizing Legislation. NOAA currently lacks an overarching6212law authorizing the agency's missions and operations.62136214 Question 1. Do you support a NOAA Organic Act?6215 Answer. Yes, an organic act, at a high level, would provide clarity6216to NOAA's mission in statute. There is also value in not being overly6217prescriptive in an organic act to allow NOAA the flexibility to quickly6218evolve priorities and capabilities to improve its mission.62196220 Question 2. Do you support the Weather Act Reauthorization?6221 Answer. I support continuing to authorize NOAA's public safety6222mission and ensuring weather research is transitioned to operations. I6223look forward to working with the Committee.62246225 Geostationary Extended Observations (GeoXO) Satellite System. As6226the GOES-R satellites end their operational lifetime, the GeoXO6227satellites will replace them. Currently NOAA plans to launch six6228satellites with instruments including a lightning mapper (LMX), Sounder6229(GXS), Atmospheric Composition (ACX), Imager (GXI), and Ocean Color6230(OCX). The GeoXO Sounder will improve regional forecast accuracy by 406231percent and is tailored to improve forecasts of rapidly changing6232convective events like the severe storms that caused catastrophic6233flooding in Texas.62346235 Question 1. Do you support NOAA's current plan for six satellites?6236 Answer. I am not currently at NOAA and do not know the status of6237current instrument contracts and their life-cycle procurement and6238management. If confirmed, I look forward to reviewing NOAA's plan for6239the GeoXO constellation.62406241 Question 2. What can NOAA do to maintain the launch timeline and6242avoid a gap in coverage?6243 Answer. To maintain launch timelines and avoid data gaps, NOAA6244should ensure it works with its Federal partners and stakeholders on6245procurement schedules, system integration, and constellation6246management. NOAA should also, where appropriate and feasible, consider6247partnerships with other Federal agencies and the private sector for6248unique orbits and data that support public safety and operational6249readiness.62506251 Question 3. The plan laid out for the GeoXO program during the6252first Trump Administration also included economically beneficial ocean6253color, atmospheric composition, and lightening mapper observations.6254These instruments help us monitor air quality impacts from pollution6255and smoke, predict the intensity of hurricanes and respond to6256wildfires, and track ocean pollution, water quality, and hazards like6257harmful algal blooms that can impact fisheries and water supplies. Do6258you still support including instruments for these observations on GeoXO6259satellites?6260 Answer. I am not currently at NOAA and do not know the status of6261current instrument contracts and their life-cycle procurement and6262management. If confirmed, I look forward to reviewing NOAA's plan for6263the GeoXO constellation. I will continue to support and assist in6264managing NOAA's observing networks that improve NOAA's mission and6265support public safety.62666267 Question 4. Do you support cancelling existing contracts that would6268incur large penalties?6269 Answer. I am not currently at NOAA and do not have insight into6270individual instrument contracting terms, processes, or schedule. If6271confirmed, I look forward to working with Secretary Lutnick and the6272NOAA Administrator in the review of contracts.62736274 Extreme Weather. According to NOAA, since 1980 we've had an average6275of nine extreme weather events annually that cost over $1 billion each.6276However, in the last five years, that has spiked to 23 events per year,6277and last year it was 27 events. Climate change is driving more intense6278hurricanes, more frequent severe atmospheric rivers, rain events, and6279is doubling the number of wildfires. NOAA plays a principal role in6280ensuring the American public is informed and prepared to respond to6281extreme weather events.62826283 Question 1. As extreme weather events across the country become6284more frequent, what do you believe is NOAA's role in coordinating6285resilience and response efforts?6286 Answer. NOAA's mission is to understand and predict changes in6287weather, oceans, climate, and coasts, and to provide this information.6288NOAA provides data, tools, and forecasting to Federal partners and the6289public.62906291 Question 2. How will you improve NOAA's cooperation with local6292emergency managers during extreme weather events?6293 Answer. In supporting NOAA's mission to provide environmental6294information to decision-makers, I will ensure that the National Weather6295Service continues to embed with local emergency managers to convey6296timely and accurate environmental information.62976298 Question 3. NOAA/NWS radars are nearing end of life. What plan6299would you enact as NOAA Administrator to ensure these crucial6300instruments are upgraded and replaced with little to no interruption of6301data?6302 Answer. If confirmed, I will work to ensure NOAA radar systems6303continue to meet mission requirements and that advanced planning is6304underway to eventually replace these systems in the future using the6305best available science and innovation.63066307 Commercial Data and Services. Project 2025 proposes that ``NWS6308should fully commercialize its forecasting operations'' and encourages6309increased use of private sector data and services. As a government6310agency funded by taxpayer money, NOAA is a trusted source of free,6311reliable data.63126313 Question 1. What do you see as NOAA's core government functions6314that cannot be privatized or commercialized, especially at NWS and6315NESDIS?6316 Answer. NOAA's public safety mission and its weather forecasting6317are core government functions that Americans across the country rely on6318every day. NOAA has historically utilized data and expertise from non-6319government sources to help it create and improve its own numerical6320weather prediction and modelling, this is most evident in NWS and6321NESDIS in programs such as the Mesonet Program and NESDIS' acquisition6322of satellites, as well as commercial data programs. NOAA relies heavily6323on non-governmental partners to help build its observing networks and6324infrastructure. The products and services derived from these observing6325systems and infrastructure are the core government functions that are6326provided to every American every day.63276328 Question 2. How will you ensure that NOAA avoids ``vendor lock''6329when incorporating more commercial data and services?6330 Answer. NOAA takes commercial marketplace offerings into6331consideration when reviewing potential new sources of data. Increased6332use of industry engagement, such as industry days, general requests for6333information, and advanced planning can help ensure NOAA has an adequate6334understanding of commercial capabilities, and where these capabilities6335align NOAA mission needs.63366337 Question 3. Currently, NOAA data is openly available to the public,6338but if NOAA buys data from private companies using taxpayer money, how6339will you ensure data will be made publicly available?6340 Answer. NOAA's products and services are made available to the6341public. NOAA has historically acquired data from non-traditional or6342non-governmental partners, often with open redistribution licenses.6343There have been instances of small redistribution restrictions, however6344NOAA and government end-users, as well as researchers, have access to6345these datasets.63466347 Question 4. Do you agree that NOAA satellites and associated ground6348and data systems are core public infrastructure and a national security6349asset?6350 Answer. NOAA's current and planned satellites and ground systems in6351use are taxpayer funded public infrastructure and national security6352assets.63536354 NWS Tornado Forecasting Warning Services. A DOC Inspector General6355Audit was published on July 8, 2025, evaluating NOAA and NWS's tornado6356forecasting and warning services.63576358 Question 1. Do you commit to implementing the recommendations made6359by the DOC IG audit?6360 Answer. I will work with NOAA staff to find a path forward that6361meets the intended outcome of this recommendation and protects lives6362and property.6363Climate Change.6364 Question 1. Yes or No: Do you agree with the scientific consensus6365that human activity is the primary cause of climate change?6366 Answer. NOAA's mission is to understand and predict changes in6367weather, oceans, climate, and coasts. NOAA will continue to accomplish6368this goal through long-term observations, cutting-edge modeling, and6369scientific analysis.63706371 Question 2. Yes or No: Do you agree with the scientific consensus6372that climate change is driving more intense and more frequent severe6373weather events?6374 Answer. Scientific consensus, according to the Intergovernmental6375Panel on Climate Change's latest Assessment Report, for intense and6376frequent severe weather events is not uniform across each type and6377phenomena, with some phenomena such as tropical cyclones, tornadoes,6378hail, and floods receiving low confidence in observed trends, and6379others like extratropical storms and extreme winds receiving medium6380confidence. NOAA will continue to work to understand and predict6381changes in the weather, oceans, climate, and coasts.6382 ______63836384 Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Tammy Duckworth to6385 Taylor Jordan6386 Question 1. Can you commit to fully recusing yourself from any NOAA6387policy or procurement decisions involving your former clients,6388including Spire Global, AccuWeather and Lynker?6389 Answer. I have worked with the career staff of the Office of6390Government Ethics to ensure that I am complying with applicable laws6391and conflicts of interest. I will continue to follow the law and work6392with the Office of Government Ethics, Department of Commerce lawyers,6393and NOAA lawyers to ensure I remain compliant with all laws.63946395 Question 2. What is your view on the role of the Federal Government6396in providing core weather and climate services, and how will you6397protect NOAA's public-service mission from undue commercial influence?6398 Answer. I support NOAA's mission to understand and predict changes6399in weather, oceans, climate, and coasts, and to provide that6400information to decision-makers. I will ensure that NOAA continues to6401provide its public-safety mission to the public.64026403 Question 3. Please answer with ``yes'' or ``no''. Was President6404Biden certified as the winner of the 2020 presidential election because6405President Biden received more votes than President Trump in the 20206406presidential election?6407 Answer. Former President Joseph Biden was certified as the winner6408of the 2020 presidential election and sworn in as the forty-sixth6409President on January 20, 2021.64106411 Question 4. Please answer with ``yes'' or ``no''. Did President6412Trump lose the 2020 presidential election?6413 Answer. Former President Joseph Biden was certified as the winner6414of the 2020 presidential election and sworn in as the forty-sixth6415President on January 20, 2021.64166417 Question 5. Please answer with ``yes'' or ``no''. Did President6418Trump lose the popular vote in the 2020 presidential election?6419 Answer. Former President Joseph Biden was certified as the winner6420of the 2020 presidential election and sworn in as the forty-sixth6421President on January 20, 2021.64226423 Question 6. Please answer with ``yes'' or ``no''. Did President6424Trump lose the electoral college in the 2020 presidential election?6425 Answer. Former President Joseph Biden was certified as the winner6426of the 2020 presidential election and sworn in as the forty-sixth6427President on January 20, 2021.64286429 Question 7. If you were unable or unwilling to provide a ``yes'' or6430``no'' answer to any of the prior questions, please provide a detailed6431explanation justifying your refusal to provide such a clear and simple6432answer, including whether your refusal to provide a simple ``yes'' or6433``no'' answer indicates that you believe President Trump received more6434votes than President Biden in the 2020 presidential election.6435 Answer. See my responses to questions 1-4 above.6436 The 14th Amendment states. ``No person shall be a Senator or6437Representative in Congress, or elector of President and Vice-President,6438or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or6439under any State, who, having previously taken an oath, as a member of6440Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member of any6441State legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any State,6442to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in6443insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to6444the enemies thereof. But Congress may by a vote of two-thirds of each6445House, remove such disability.''64466447 Question 1. Where were you on January 6, 2021?6448 Answer. I was at my home in Washington, DC.64496450 Question 2. Do you believe the events at the Capitol on January 6,64512021, were an insurrection, a rebellion against the Constitution of the6452United States, or both--and if you do not believe the events that6453occurred at or near the United States Capitol on that date comprised an6454insurrection or rebellion against the Constitution, please provide a6455detailed explanation explaining your belief.6456 Answer. This question is outside of the scope of my nomination to6457be an Assistant Secretary within the Department of Commerce.64586459 Question 3. Why did you choose to resign, or choose not to resign,6460as a NOAA Senior Policy Advisor on January 6, 2021, or in the following6461days?6462 Answer. Prior to January 6, 2021, I had left government employment6463to seek other career opportunities.64646465 Question 4. Do you support President Trump's decision to ``grant a6466full, complete and unconditional pardon to all other individuals6467convicted of offenses related to events that occurred at or near the6468United States Capitol on January 6, 2021''?6469 Answer. This question is outside of the scope of my nomination to6470be an Assistant Secretary within the Department of Commerce. If6471confirmed, I look forward to working with the President and this6472Committee.64736474 Question 5. Do you believe President Trump's decision to ``grant a6475full, complete and unconditional pardon to all other individuals6476convicted of offenses related to events that occurred at or near the6477United States Capitol on January 6, 2021'' is consistent with6478supporting law enforcement?6479 Answer. The pardon power belongs to the President. I have always6480rejected violence against law enforcement.6481 ______64826483 Response to Written Question Submitted by Hon. John Fetterman to6484 Taylor Jordan6485 Question. Mr. Jordan, you will also work in NOAA operations. Will6486you commit to work with me and my office to expeditiously finalize Lake6487Erie's designation as a national marine sanctuary in your role with6488NOAA if confirmed?6489 Answer. While the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Environmental6490Observation and Prediction does not directly work on national marine6491sanctuary issues, I understand this issue is important to you and will6492work with the NOAA Administrator and staff to be responsive to your6493request.6494 ______64956496 Response to Written Question Submitted by Hon. Dan Sullivan to6497 Harry Kumar6498 On January 17, 2025, the National Telecommunications and6499Information Administration's announcement of over $113 million in6500Federal broadband grants from the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program6501(TBCP). These awards are part of the Infrastructure Investments and6502Jobs Act, and aim to equip Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and Native6503American entities with the resources needed to bolster high-speed6504Internet deployment, workforce development, telehealth, and other6505programs across the country. Please provide a status update on the6506following awards:65076508 Old Harbor Native Corporation: $64.7 million to deliver6509 fiber optic connectivity to the communities of Old Harbor and6510 Akhiok in rural Alaska. These areas have long struggled with6511 access to reliable and affordable high-speed internet--a gap6512 that continues to widen the digital divide and hinder access to6513 education, healthcare, economic opportunity, and emergency6514 response systems.65156516 Kawerak, Inc.: $48.5 million to deliver fiber optic6517 connectivity to St. Lawrence Island from Nome for the6518 communities of Savoonga and Gambell. For decades, these6519 communities have faced significant barriers due to inadequate6520 communication infrastructure, which has hindered education,6521 healthcare, economic development, and emergency response6522 systems.65236524 Answer. On January 16, 2025, NTIA announced the recommendation of6525both awards for approval under the Tribal Broadband Connectivity6526Program (TBCP) Notice of Funding 2. Upon the change of Administration,6527the Department conducted a comprehensive and thorough review of all6528grant programs, including TBCP. The awards are now pending final review6529and clearance by Department of Commerce leadership.6530 ______65316532 Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Maria Cantwell to6533 Harry Kumar6534 Department of Commerce Responsiveness to Member and Committee6535Requests. Mr. Kumar, I am deeply frustrated by the Department's lack of6536responses to letters and other oversight requests my colleagues and I6537have sent this year. This includes a series of letters we have sent to6538various officials at the Department seeking information about the6539Minority Business Development Agency, which the Administration has6540tried to illegally dismantle.6541 I'm looking for clear commitments to assure me this is going to6542change if you are confirmed.65436544 Question 1. Yes or No: Do you agree to provide fulsome and6545meaningful responses to all the letters my colleagues and I have sent6546the Department this year regarding MBDA?6547 Answer. If confirmed, I will work with my colleagues at the6548Department to provide fulsome and meaningful responses to Congressional6549inquiries. With respect to MBDA, my understanding is that there is6550broad, active ongoing litigation that has limited the Department's6551ability to provide more detailed responses.65526553 Question 2. Yes or No: Do you agree it is unacceptable to ignore6554letters and requests from Democratic Members on this Committee?6555 Answer. If confirmed, I will work with my colleagues at the6556Department to provide timely responses to members of this committee.65576558 Question 3. Yes or No: Do you believe the mere existence of6559litigation regarding a bureau or issue in the Department is adequate6560grounds to refuse to answer any questions from Congress regarding that6561bureau or issue? If yes, explain your position in full.6562 Answer. I believe that communication with Congress and this6563committee is a key function of the position. Thus, if confirmed, I will6564make sure that I consult with our Office of General Counsel on what is6565permissible to be shared when litigation is ongoing.65666567 Question 4. Yes or No: Will you ensure that any accommodation the6568Department makes for majority staff, such as briefings or document6569productions, is likewise made available to minority staff?6570 Answer. If confirmed, I will work to ensure all committee staff are6571provided relevant information in a timely manner.65726573 Question 5. Yes or No: Will you ensure the Department meaningfully6574responds to routine requests for briefings and technical assistance6575from my staff?6576 Answer. If confirmed, I will work to ensure timely responses are a6577top priority, including for briefings and technical assistance.65786579 CHIPS and Science Act and Tech Hubs. There are several Department6580of Commerce programs established by the bipartisan CHIPS and Science6581Act that are essential for rebuilding U.S. leadership in technology,6582strengthening economic and national security, and supporting regional6583workforce and supply chains. These include CHIPS manufacturing6584incentives, CHIPS R&D initiatives, and Economic Development6585Administration regional technology and innovation hubs or ``Tech6586Hubs.''6587 Based on the elimination of the EDA in the proposed budget and the6588Department's decision in May to rescind $210 million in funding for six6589Tech Hubs, I have serious concerns about the Administration's6590commitment to these programs and to U.S. innovation leadership. This6591decision has introduced significant uncertainty and is halting the6592progress that Tech Hubs were making toward advancing innovation,6593workforce development, and economic growth in their respective regions.6594Greater transparency and regular communication with Congress are6595essential to restoring confidence in the CHIPS and Science6596implementation process.65976598 Question 1. Yes or No: Do you commit to providing Congress with6599timely updates and early notification regarding decisions related to6600Tech Hubs, and to coordinating with Congress on plans and policies to6601maintain our technology and manufacturing competitiveness?6602 Answer. If confirmed, I will work with the relevant Department6603personnel to ensure the Department provides timely updates related to6604Tech Hubs and will work with Congress to ensure the U.S. remains the6605global leader in technological and manufacturing competitiveness.66066607 Question 2. Yes or No: If the ``Investment Accelerator'' announced6608by Executive Order is expected to become a key focus of managing CHIPS6609and Science implementation, will you also commit to offering bipartisan6610briefings to this Committee on progress in establishing the office and6611its roles and responsibilities before making a public announcement?6612 Answer. If confirmed, I will ensure bipartisan briefings are6613offered on CHIPS and Science Act implementation and the Investment6614Accelerator Office.6615 ______66166617 Response to Written Question Submitted by Hon. Amy Klobuchar to6618 Harry Kumar6619 The National Rural Export Center in Fargo, North Dakota assists6620rural small businesses with accessing international markets. By6621offering advanced data analytics, market navigation tools, and risk6622mitigation strategies, it helps level the playing field for small6623businesses to better compete globally.6624 If confirmed, will you commit to working with me and my staff to6625support the Rural Export Center to help rural businesses succeed in6626international markets?6627 Answer. If confirmed, I commit to working with you and your staff6628to ensure rural and small businesses are able to continue to succeed in6629international markets.6630 ______66316632 Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Tammy Duckworth to6633 Harry Kumar6634 The Department of Commerce's Manufacturing Extension Partnership6635Program is a crucial program to help strengthen the U.S. industrial6636base by providing a number of services to small and medium-sized6637manufacturers. There is one center in each state and in Illinois, the6638Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) leads a variety of6639initiatives to grow manufacturing, including supporting the development6640of quantum technologies in our State. IMEC has created and retained6641more than 7,000 jobs and assisted nearly 3,000 companies.66426643 Question 1. Mr. Kumar, are you aware that there is bipartisan6644support for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program?6645 Answer. Yes.66466647 Question 2. Mr. Kumar, do you commit to notifying Congress about6648any planned changes or adjustments to the Manufacturing Extension6649Partnership Program?6650 Answer. If confirmed, I commit to providing timely updates to the6651Committee.6652 As the main conduit between Congress and the Department of6653Commerce, it is crucial that you take seriously your responsibility to6654communicate with Members of Congress, particularly members of the6655Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation.66566657 Question 1. Mr. Kumar, do you commit to responding in a timely6658matter with substantive information relevant to a given issue, when I6659send you an official letter requesting a response?6660 Answer. If confirmed, I commit to responding in a timely manner6661when sent an official letter with the appropriate level of detail.66626663 Question 2. Mr. Kumar, do you commit to making yourself and your6664team available to Congressional staff via phone and e-mail when we make6665inquiries of the Department, regardless of political affiliation?6666 Answer. If confirmed, I will make myself and the legislative6667affairs team available to congressional staff regardless of political6668affiliation.66696670 Question 3. Mr. Kumar, who will be the point person from your team6671that my office should reach out to for any inquiries? How many members6672of your team will be dedicated to working with Senate staff?6673 Answer. If confirmed, your team can reach out to myself or Will6674Turner, the current Acting Assistant Secretary for Legislative Affairs.6675The entire legislative affairs team will devote themselves to working6676with both chambers.66776678 Question 4. Mr. Kumar, will you commit to supplying responsive data6679and documents when Congressional staff make requests to the Department?6680 Answer. If confirmed, I commit to working with my colleagues in the6681Department to provide the appropriate responsive data and documents.66826683 Question 1. Please answer with ``yes'' or ``no''. Was President6684Biden certified as the winner of the 2020 presidential election because6685President Biden received more votes than President Trump in the 20206686presidential election?6687 Answer. Former President Joseph Biden was certified as the winner6688of the 2020 presidential election and sworn in as the forty-sixth6689President on January 20, 2021.66906691 Question 2. Please answer with ``yes'' or ``no''. Did President6692Trump lose the 2020 presidential election?6693 Answer. Former President Joseph Biden was certified as the winner6694of the 2020 presidential election and sworn in as the forty-sixth6695President on January 20, 2021.66966697 Question 3. Please answer with ``yes'' or ``no''. Did President6698Trump lose the popular vote in the 2020 presidential election?6699 Answer. Former President Joseph Biden was certified as the winner6700of the 2020 presidential election and sworn in as the forty-sixth6701President on January 20, 2021.67026703 Question 4. Please answer with ``yes'' or ``no''. Did President6704Trump lose the electoral college in the 2020 presidential election?6705 Answer. Former President Joseph Biden was certified as the winner6706of the 2020 presidential election and sworn in as the forty-sixth6707President on January 20, 2021.67086709 Question 5. If you were unable or unwilling to provide a ``yes'' or6710``no'' answer to any of the prior questions, please provide a detailed6711explanation justifying your refusal to provide such a clear and simple6712answer, including whether your refusal to provide a simple ``yes'' or6713``no'' answer indicates that you believe President Trump received more6714votes than President Biden in the 2020 presidential election.6715 Answer. See my responses to questions 1-4 above.67166717 The 14th Amendment states. ``No person shall be a Senator or6718Representative in Congress, or elector of President and Vice-President,6719or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or6720under any State, who, having previously taken an oath, as a member of6721Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member of any6722State legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any State,6723to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in6724insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to6725the enemies thereof. But Congress may by a vote of two-thirds of each6726House, remove such disability.''67276728 Question 1. Where were you on January 6, 2021?6729 Answer. I was in my apartment and was in no way involved with the6730events at the Capitol on January 6, 2021.67316732 Question 2. Do you believe the events at the Capitol on January 6,67332021, were an insurrection, a rebellion against the Constitution of the6734United States, or both--and if you do not believe the events that6735occurred at or near the United States Capitol on that date comprised an6736insurrection or rebellion against the Constitution, please provide a6737detailed explanation explaining your belief.6738 Answer. This question is outside of the scope of my nomination to6739be an Assistant Secretary within the Department of Commerce.67406741 Question 3. Why did you choose to resign, or choose not to resign,6742from the White House on January 6, 2021, or in the following days?6743 Answer. I was not--and have never been--a White House employee. I6744did not resign on January 6, 2021 because I was committed to fulfilling6745my term with the Department of Commerce.67466747 Question 4. Do you support President Trump's decision to ``grant a6748full, complete and unconditional pardon to all other individuals6749convicted of offenses related to events that occurred at or near the6750United States Capitol on January 6, 2021''?6751 Answer. This question is outside of the scope of my nomination to6752be an Assistant Secretary within the Department of Commerce. If6753confirmed, I look forward to working with the President and this6754Committee.67556756 Question 5. Do you believe President Trump's decision to ``grant a6757full, complete and unconditional pardon to all other individuals6758convicted of offenses related to events that occurred at or near the6759United States Capitol on January 6, 2021'' is consistent with6760supporting law enforcement?6761 Answer. The pardon power belongs to the President, but I have6762always rejected violence against law enforcement.67636764 [all]