DC Download: April 2026

The Administration submitted a “skinny budget” to Congress for FY 2027 that includes top line numbers for federal agencies on April 3rd. The proposed budget reduces NOAA’s National Ocean Service (NOS) Office Operations funding to $332M from the $709M FY 2026 levels. In addition, the proposed budget eliminates all of NOAA’s National Ocean Service Office PAC funds.

A huge thank you to Representatives Jeff Van Drew (NJ-R) and Rick Larsen (WA-D) and other House members who signed the “Dear Colleague” letter in support of the NERRS funding. The House is expected to begin its appropriations committee work in May, while the Senate schedule is uncertain.

In the meantime, NERRA is reaching out to businesses, Reserve friends groups and foundations, partner NGOs and others to sign a collective letter of support for full FY 2027 funding for the NERRS. This letter will be sent to all members of Congress and the Administration. 

Thank you to all the NERRds out there working so hard to serve your communities and raise the visibility of our national program. And thanks to all our friends—community members like you that make all the difference in DC.