S.1958 - Federal Operational Resilience in Emergency Conditions And Storm Tracking Act; FORECAST Act (119th Congress)
Summary
The FORECAST Act (S. 1958) aims to exempt specific positions within the National Weather Service (NWS) from federal government hiring freezes. These positions are deemed critical for public safety, particularly those involved in issuing weather and flood warnings, maintaining observational equipment, and protecting against weather-related hazards. The bill mandates the Secretary of Commerce to implement this exemption within 30 days of enactment and to report annually to Congress on staffing levels for these covered positions.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be to ensure that the NWS maintains adequate staffing levels in key positions, even during government-wide hiring freezes. This would help to ensure the continuity and reliability of weather forecasting and warning services. The bill also retroactively negates any job offers rescinded after January 20, 2025, for covered positions, providing immediate relief to affected individuals.
Potential Benefits 4/5
- Ensures the National Weather Service can maintain critical staffing levels.
- Improves the accuracy and timeliness of weather forecasts and warnings.
- Protects lives and property from weather-related hazards.
- Provides job security for employees in covered positions.
- Retroactively restores job offers rescinded due to hiring freezes.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potentially increases government spending by maintaining staffing levels during hiring freezes.
- May create inconsistencies in hiring practices across different federal agencies.
- Could lead to increased bureaucracy and administrative burden for the Department of Commerce.
- Limited scope, only addressing specific positions within the NWS.
- Potential for political influence in determining which positions are considered "covered positions."
Constitutional Alignment 4/5
The FORECAST Act appears to align with the US Constitution, specifically with the implied powers granted to Congress to provide for the general welfare (Preamble). By ensuring the effective operation of the National Weather Service, the bill promotes public safety and protects citizens from natural disasters. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to citizens. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).