On the recordMay 8, 2012
I was trying to figure out if we cut 12 percent of the weather satellites budget, how would the satellite actually function with 12 percent less of its capacity? We have, in Georgia, which the gentleman is from, and from many of our others States the most severe weather that the country has ever seen over the last 20 months. We've had more billion-dollar-plus incidents than we've ever had. And when we have forecasting through our satellite systems that we're launching through the Weather Service, we actually save lives and money by being able to delineate exactly where the storms or tornadoes or hurricanes are going to hit. And it takes time to be able to evacuate people and the like. So his cuts to the National Weather Service under this 12 percent approach, especially with exempting certain agencies, would have a disproportionate effect. And I think that for farmers and for others, the lack of weather information would be very problematic in our economy and would actually threaten lives. So I would reject this amendment. I thank the gentleman for offering it. I hope the House has the wisdom to also reject it, and I yield back the balance of my time. {time} 2250 The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Broun). The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the noes appeared to have it.
