ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) issued the following statement in response to President Trump and Elon Musk’s destructive, costly layoffs at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Weather Service (NWS):

"This reckless and shortsighted decision will cost lives. The National Weather Service is a lifeline for communities facing hurricanes, flooding, tornadoes and other extreme weather events. Its dedicated workforce provides real-time, life-saving information that keeps families safe and helps emergency responders prepare for disasters.

"Slashing the National Weather Service’s workforce cripples its ability to warn and protect the public, endangering millions of Americans—especially those in coastal and storm-prone regions like the Tampa Bay area. These cuts are not just irresponsible; they are deathly dangerous. Trump misled the country when he said Project 2025 wouldn’t be inflicted on hardworking Americans. Privatization of the NWS and NOAA leaves us more vulnerable and less able to live resilient lives.

"I stand with the hardworking meteorologists and emergency responders who keep our communities safe, and I will fight to restore the resources the National Weather Service needs to do its job. Our families deserve nothing less."