Rep. Frank Lucas wasn’t familiar with proposed cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s budget. But the very idea of it, given Oklahoma’s heavy reliance on its data because of its location in the heart of Tornado Alley, was already physically hurting him.
“The very discussion about reducing our investment in our scientific research and our weather forecasting causes me to have stomach cramps,” Lucas, a Republican, told NOTUS.
Multiple outlets reported that the Office of Management and Budget is considering cuts to NOAA that would effectively eliminate its research arm and slash its budget by $1.3 billion. OMB and NOAA did not respond to NOTUS’ request for comment about the cuts, including questions about how they could affect Oklahoma facilities.