WASHINGTON — A bipartisan group of lawmakers, led by District One Rep. Mike Flood (R-NE), introduced the Weather Workforce Improvement Act on Friday. The bill aims to reinforce the public safety mission of the National Weather Service (NWS) by granting it temporary direct hiring authority for critical positions.

"The National Weather Service has long provided critical weather data and forecasts used by the media and public across the United States," said Rep. Flood. "Granting them direct hiring authority will ensure that previous and future workforce shortages can be addressed quickly, helping to minimize disruptions."

The legislation, supported by Reps. Frank Lucas (R-OK), Jared Moskowitz (D-FL), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), and Eric Sorensen (D-IL), seeks to address staffing shortages that ha

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