Cruz's NOAA Funding Cuts Scrutinized After Texas Floods | JQJO

Texas Senator Ted Cruz's prior cuts to NOAA funding are under scrutiny following deadly flash floods in Texas. Cruz amended a bill to eliminate a $150 million fund for improved weather forecasting, and NOAA has faced staffing reductions. While the NWS maintains adequate staffing, Senator Schumer called for an investigation into potential impacts of understaffing on forecast accuracy. Cruz, who was vacationing in Greece during the floods, dismissed criticism as partisan politics, advocating for a post-disaster review of early warning systems. This is the second time Cruz has faced criticism for being out of state during a Texas crisis.