As Extreme Weather Events Persist, Markey, Massachusetts Delegation Urge Army Corps to Address Staffing Cuts in Massachusetts

Letter Text (PDF)

Washington (September 18, 2025) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and every member of the Massachusetts congressional delegation-Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Representatives Richard Neal (MA-01), Jim McGovern (MA-02), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Jake Auchincloss (MA-04), Katherine Clark (MA-05), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), and Bill Keating (MA-09)-today wrote to Adam Telle, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, and Lieutenant General William H. Graham, Jr., Chief and Commanding Officer of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, expressing concern about the ability of the New England District of the Army Corps of Engineers to carry out its mission following reductions in the federal workforce. Due to the Trump administration's workforce policies, the Corps has faced a significant workforce reduction, affecting the capacity of the Corps to oversee some of the most crucial water infrastructure, and preparing for and responding to extreme weather events in the United States.

In the letter, the lawmakers write, "The Army Corps of Engineers is on the front lines of protecting Massachusetts from extreme flooding, storms, and hurricanes. Since the 1980s, Massachusetts has been pummeled more than 27 times by flooding, tropical cyclones, or severe storms, each of which individually caused more than $1 billion in damages. Massachusetts has experienced these extreme storms 14 times in the last five years alone. The Army Corps prepares for these storms by building infrastructure that protects communities from flooding and coastal erosion. The Corps also maintains water infrastructure such as navigable waterways and dams that can quickly turn into dangerous flood risks during a storm."

The lawmakers continue, "At the same time as Massachusetts is experiencing an increase in the severity and number of major storms, the Trump administration is undermining the Army Corps' capacity to respond to such extreme weather events. Most importantly, despite its safety critical role, the Army Corps has been subject to the Administration's efforts to cut the federal workforce. These reckless policies have undoubtedly resulted in a reduction in the Army Corps' workforce - with direct implications for the preparedness and safety of the people of Massachusetts."

The lawmakers request answers to the following questions by October 1, 2025:

• How many employees does the New England District employ if all vacancies are filled?
• How many employees did the New England District employ as of January 20, 2025, and as of September 17, 2025, respectively?
• How many employees have left the District since January 20, 2025?
• How many of these vacant positions have been filled and how many vacancies does the New England District currently have?

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