From the Slog:
http://slog.thestranger.com/slog/archives/2011/03/15/washington-state-republicans-vote-to-cut-funding-for-tsunami-warning-center
The worst part is, people probably wouldn’t have noticed this if it hadn’t happened around the same time as the earthquake/tsunami in Japan:
WASHINGTON — A spending plan being pushed by Republicans would slash funding for the agency that warned the West Coast about the devastating tsunami in Japan.
Voting for the $126 million cut: Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-3), Representative Dave Reichert (R-8), Representative Doc Hastings (R-4), and Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-5).
A union representing workers at the tsunami center said the proposed cuts – part of $454 million in cuts for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – could result in furloughs and rolling closures of weather service offices. If so, that could affect the center’s ability to issue warnings similar to those issued Friday, said Barry Hirshorn, Pacific region chairman of the National Weather Service Employees Organization.
“People could die. It could be serious,” Hirshorn said.
Another good reason to get replace Dave Reichert in the 11th LD. No Democrats voted for this.