July 18, 2023 — NOAA Fisheries is likely to receive a budget cut in the 2024 fiscal year, with the U.S. Senate considering legislation providing a slight reduction in NOAA funding and the U.S. House considering even bigger cuts.
On 13 July, the Senate Appropriations Committee released its Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Fiscal Year 2024 Appropriations Bill, which includes funding for NOAA and NOAA Fisheries. The committee approved the bill in a 28-1 vote, clearing the way for consideration by the full Senate. The House Appropriations Committee approved its version in a vote on 13 July on a voice vote with only a few audible dissents.