Magaziner, Pingree, Amo Secure Funding for Ocean Weather Data
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Seth Magaziner (RI-02), Gabe Amo (RI-01), andChellie Pingree (ME-01) today applauded the restoration of funding for the Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
The lawmakers led a bipartisan coalition of over 40 members of Congress in urging the Trump Administration to release the congressionally approved funding for IOOS. The program collects and distributes critical ocean data, from buoys, satellites, radar stations, and other sensors, to support the fishing industry, improve weather prediction, enhance shipping safety, and strengthen military readiness.
“The Trump Administration had no justification for withholding funding that Congress already approved to protect the coastal economy and public safety for coastal states,” said Magaziner. “I am proud to have led the push to restore this critical funding so that programs like IOOS can continue to support Rhode Island’s fishing industry, weather forecasting, and maritime operations.”
“Unlocking this critical funding for IOOS is a victory for Maine’s coastal communities, our fishing industry, and everyone who relies on accurate ocean and weather data," said Pingree. "The Trump Administration’s unjustified delays risked public safety and economic stability. Now, IOOS can resume its essential work protecting our shores, enhancing maritime safety, and ensuring coastal resilience for years to come.”
"Trump's decision to withhold funds from the Integrated Ocean Observing System put Rhode Island's coastal communities at risk," said House Science, Space, and Technology Environment Subcommittee Ranking Member Gabe Amo. "Thankfully, the efforts of my colleagues and I halted Trump's latest attack on science and secured the restoration of needed funding to keep our shores and fisheries safe and operational. I’m proud to stand up for the Blue Economy and fight back against this administration’s senseless actions."
“We’re grateful for our Congressional champions who work in many ways and across the aisle in support of IOOS. As a result of this strong bipartisan leadership, the IOOS regional systems will be able to maintain, without disruption, their data services critical for national security, public safety, and a strong maritime economy,” said Kristen Yarincik, Executive Director, IOOS Association.
“The essential services that IOOS provides for commercial fishermen, cargo ships, weather forecasters, search-and-rescue teams, coastal communities, and everyone else who depends on the sea have always been sustained through strong bipartisan support. We thank our congressional champions for ensuring that IOOS can continue to bolster America’s maritime strength,” said Jake Kritzer, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Northeastern Regional Association of Coastal Ocean Observing Systems (NERACOOS).
Although $42.5 million for IOOS was passed with bipartisan support as part of FY2025 government funding and signed into law, the Trump Administration had refused to approve a full Program, Project, or
Activity “spend plan” to allow NOAA and its regional partners to distribute the funds. Without a full PPA-level spend plan, IOOS regional partners could not fund projects to monitor harmful algal blooms, operate hurricane gliders, and upgrade ocean monitoring systems.
Representatives Magaziner, Pingree, and Amo coordinated a bipartisan letter to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought to demand immediate action and restore the funding.
IOOS is a vital program that protects coastal communities and economies by enabling safer navigation, more effective search-and-rescue operations, and stronger storm response and forecasting.
You can read the full letter here.