Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02), Ranking Member of the Energy Subcommittee on the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, and Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) demanded answers about reports that Elon Musk and Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) staff entered the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) headquarters and gained access to its IT systems. NOAA is the key federal agency tasked with providing essential daily weather forecasts, severe storm warnings, climate monitoring, and much more.

They lawmakers wrote, “Our farmers, fisherman, and hardworking Americans in a range of other industries depend on access to NOAA data, information, and forecasts for their lives and livelihoods. In addition, our airports work closely with NWS to ensure the safety and efficiency of our National Aviation System. Any threat or perceived threat to disrupt operations at NOAA poses a great danger in this country.

“Furthermore, Mr. Musk’s business interests in industries adjacent to NOAA’s work—including aerospace, telecommunications, and artificial intelligence—raise serious conflict of interest questions about his meddling with the agency’s data and operations as well as its public mission,” they continued.

The lawmakers concluded their letter by demanding the Trump administration answer questions as to the nature of DOGE’s intrusion, what data they accessed, and any plans the administration has to dismantle NOAA’s mission, authority, or services.

Full text of the letter is available here.