Senator Baldwin Confronts Commerce Department Nominee on MBDA Closure

Concerns Over NOAA Resources

• 💡 Senator Baldwin highlighted the critical importance of NOAA's weather and satellite services for Wisconsin's farmers, shipping, and fishing industries.
• 🎯 If confirmed, the nominee committed to making staffing and satellite data (procurement, access, utilization) a top priority.
• ✅ The nominee also affirmed that high-quality weather and climate data should remain freely and publicly accessible.

Protecting the Great Lakes

• 🌊 Senator Baldwin emphasized the vital role of NOAA in protecting the Great Lakes, a resource for industry and 40 million people's drinking water.
• 🤝 The nominee expressed a willingness to work with Senator Baldwin on restoring and fully funding coastal programs, including the Sea Grant, Coastal Zone Management Program, Estuarine Research Program, and Marine Sanctuaries.

Tech Hub Program Funding

• 🚀 Concerns were raised about the proposed elimination of funding for the EDA and its Tech Hub program, crucial for Wisconsin's personalized medicine and bio-health technology sector.
• 🤝 The nominee committed to keeping Congress updated on the Commerce Department's plans for the Tech Hub program and ensuring responsiveness to inquiries.

Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)

• ⚠️ Senator Baldwin expressed significant frustration with the Commerce Department's lack of communication regarding the dismantling of the Minority Business Development Agency.
• 🚫 She described the secretary's unresponsiveness as unacceptable and a removal of resources for small businesses built on bipartisan support.