Florida’s Hurricane Hunter Program Could Face Budget Cuts

A Florida congresswoman says Hurricane Irene should be a wake-up call to reverse proposed funding cuts to the hurricane hunter program.

Though not final, a budget proposal that has passed the House Appropriations Committee would reduce funding for the flights out of MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa from $29 million to $17 million.

Rep. Kathy Castor, a Democrat from Tampa, wrote House Speaker John Boehner and others Friday asking them to reconsider the cut, which would impact next year’s flights.

She says Irene should serve as “a wake-up call” that the money is needed.

Castor says she’ll reach out to colleagues of both parties to garner support for a budget amendment she intends to file.