Neil Jacobs is facing questions at a Senate Commerce Committee confirmation hearing to become the next administrator for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). CBS News' Nikole Killion has the latest updates from Capitol Hill as frustration mounts over the response to the deadly Texas floods.

Washington

Neil Jacobs, nominated by President Trump to lead the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), attended a Senate Commerce Committee hearing where his leadership and the agency's future were closely examined. The hearing took place as concerns mounted over the response to severe flooding in Texas, with lawmakers emphasizing the need for improved forecasting and communication systems.

Senators questioned Jacobs about his vision for NOAA, especially regarding potential staffing cuts and the agency's role in climate forecasting. Jacobs, who previously served in the administration and was involved in the 'Sharpie Gate' controversy during Hurricane Dorian, highlighted his experience in meteorology and oceanography. He pledged to enhance the United States' global forecasting capabilities and strengthen the nation's fisheries, aiming to reassure the committee of his qualifications.

Controversial Trump NOAA pick faces Senate committee hearing

President Trump's selection to head the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, is facing a Senate committee hearing right now, and obviously, the flooding in Texas, a major topic of discussion. Earlier this hour, we heard from Senator Ted Cruz, and moments ago, Ranking Member Senator Maria Cantwell also spoke. Our congressional—yeah? Responders did everything that they were asked to do in response to this flood, but as you said, Mr. Chairman, there will be others, so I agree that we should figure out what we can do in the future to improve our communication system, to improve the science behind the information, and to figure out how we best prepare for the future. Today, we're considering Dr. Jacobs to be the NOAA Administrator, Mr. Taylor to be the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Environmental Observation and Protection, and Mr. Kumar to be the Assistant Secretary. NOAA does— All right, we want to now connect with congressional correspondent Nicole Killian, who is on Capitol Hill, listening to this hearing get underway. Good morning to you, Nicole. I'm curious at what specific answers Senate committee members are looking for about this gentleman's ability to lead NOAA. One thing we heard there is that these types of disasters where you need forecasting and warnings are likely to happen again. Yeah, that's right. And that was certainly something that Senator Ted Cruz, who is leading this hearing, also expressed concerns about, also just getting quite emotional in this hearing, saying that our collective hearts are broken at what has happened in his state. But look, you know, this is by and large a nomination hearing for Dr. Neil Jacobs and other officials. In the case of Neil Jacobs, it is to lead NOAA. And so, yes, while we do expect this issue of staffing cuts and the future of climate forecasting to come into play in this hearing, a lot of this is just bigger picture in terms of how he would lead the agency. Now, he did tell the panel a short time ago that if he is confirmed, he wants to return the United States to becoming a leader in global forecasting capability. But as you heard very sharply from Senator Cantwell there, her biggest concern, and certainly the concern among many Democrats on that panel, is how do you do that, though, if you're cutting key components of the agency? And many of our viewers may not be familiar with Neil Jacobs and his past leadership roles and what he's done. Anything notable from his background? Yeah, well, certainly many people might remember him from the president's first term, where he served within the administration. But he came under heavy scrutiny for what was then called a Sharpie Gate, of course. This was a period of time where Hurricane Dorian, a major storm at the time, the president suggested that it was forecast to hit Alabama, which it wasn't. The National Weather Service had to kind of walk that back. But you see there the president at the time held up this map with Alabama circled. And, ultimately, the storm didn't go anywhere near there. So it did kind of raise a lot of questions and controversy at the time. But Neil Jacobs was kind of at the center of that controversy when it unfolded. That being said, he is a long-term meteorologist, has been with the agency, has been in the federal government for some time now and is a veteran. So from that standpoint, that is what he tried to talk up in this hearing, his experience with respect to not only forecasting, but also with respect to the oceans. He says that's where he feels most comfortable, but also working to get the nation's fisheries up to speed and more competitive relative to its global partners. So those are some of the things he tried to point out as far as making the case for his confirmation. Yeah. And we'll continue listening in to this confirmation hearing and bring our viewers anything that jumps out. Nicole Killian, great to chat with you. Thanks so much. You bet.

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