Seantor Allen Responds on S. 786, NWS Duties Bill

YouTube · Post by **CraginS** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 5:43 pm

I just received the e-mail below from Senator George Allen.
Obviously written by staffer... note that he leaves the option open to vote for the bill, but hints at being opposed to it.

Cragin
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From: senator_allen@allen.senate.gov Add to Address BookAdd to Address Book
Subject: A response from Senator George Allen
To: cragin_sh@yahoo.com
Date: Mon, 27 Jun 2005 16:24:15 -0400

Dear Cragin:

Thank you for contacting me regarding proposed changes to the National Weather Service (NWS). I appreciate your concerns and value the opportunity to respond.

As you may be aware, the National Weather Services Duties Act of 2005, S. 786, was recently introduced in the Senate. This legislation is designed to redefine the role and purpose of NWS to better reflect our nation’s needs in the 21st century. Among the changes, the most significant change would be the prohibition of NWS of providing or assisting entities with products or services that are not directly related to the preparation or issuance of sever weather forecasts and warnings. This legislation, as I understand, is intended to focus the mission of NWS to severe weather services and allow the private sector to provide non-severe weather services.

While I recognize the importance of ensuring private-sector competition, I also believe it is important to ensure the safety and security of the public. I stand with my colleagues and the President in an effort to reduce bureaucratic redundancies; however, I continue to believe that legislative decisions, such as this, must be made in the best interest of the American taxpayer. As I continue to review this legislation and weigh its possible effects on our local communities, please be assured that should it come before me on the Senate floor, I will certainly keep your thoughtful comments in mind.

Once again, I appreciate you alerting me to this matter and hope you will not hesitate to contact me again about issues important to you. If you would like to receive an e-mail newsletter about my initiatives to improve America, please sign up on my website (<http://allen.senate.gov>). It is an honor to serve you in the United States Senate, and I look forward to working with you to make Virginia and America a better place to live, learn, work and raise a family.

With warm regards, I remain

Sincerely,

Senator George Allen