Us Congress House Bill HB5002

Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 8/19/25
• Refer: 8/19/25

Caption

Protect Americans from Climate Disasters Act

Impact

The bill responds directly to the staffing reductions at NOAA which have hindered its capacity for accurate weather forecasting and the provision of critical data for emergency disaster management. By ensuring the reinstatement of personnel, the legislation seeks to bolster NOAA's operational capacity, allowing timely and effective responses to weather emergencies. Additionally, it mandates a specific level of funding to enhance NOAA's capabilities in line with the anticipated increase in climate-induced disasters, thereby supporting public safety and community preparedness efforts.

Summary

House Bill 5002, titled the 'Protect Americans from Climate Disasters Act', is aimed at reinstating all employees and programs within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) that assist communities in preparing for and mitigating damage from extreme weather events. The bill emphasizes the growing challenges posed by climate variability and extreme weather, citing findings from the Fifth National Climate Assessment that highlight the increased frequency and severity of such events due to human-induced climate change.

Contention

Key points of contention surrounding HB5002 may arise from budgetary constraints and differing priorities regarding government spending on climate initiatives versus other social programs. Proponents of the bill argue for the essential need to invest in climate data and emergency readiness, especially as past disasters have shown significant economic and human costs. Critics, however, may challenge the allocation of resources to NOAA over other urgent needs, highlighting the complexities in addressing climate-related funding amidst competing societal issues.