DC Download: August 2026

Congress is in recess and many Reserves are hosting top brass NOAA appointees and Congressional staff members. 

Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay Reserve hosted Dr. Tim Petty, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere/Deputy NOAA Administrator, Caleigh McDonough from Representative’s Wittman office, and Brenda Roberts from Representative Kiggans office (above). 

Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay Reserve hosted Brandon Flynn from Senator Van Hollen’s office, Blaise Sheridan, Commerce Justice and Science Subcommittee Appropriations staff, and Keelin Kuipers, Acting Director NOAA Office for Coastal Management. In addition, the North-Inlet Winyah Bay Reserve and the North Carolina Reserve hosted Dr. Neil Jacobs, Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, and NOAA Administrator (below).

Prior to breaking for recess, the House passed a bill to continue its work on Fiscal Year 2027 funds until December 4th and the Senate passed a bill to extend its work on appropriating funds until Dec 11th. Both bills, known as continuing resolutions, are necessary if appropriation funding for the work of the federal government is not put in place by the start of the federal fiscal year, which is October 1, 2026.