Key takeaways

• OMB director Ross Vought aims to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research.
• Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper halted a major funding bill in protest.
• They demand full NCAR funding to protect critical climate research.
• This fight adds to Colorado’s clashes with the Trump administration.

Colorado’s senators have taken a bold step by blocking a key funding bill. They reacted after the Office of Management and Budget revealed plans to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research. This agency, based in Boulder, Colorado, leads studies on fire, flood, and weather risks. Now senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper have put a hold on a “minibus” funding package. This package would fund most federal agencies through fiscal year 2026. Their move aims to force the Trump administration to restore NCAR funding in full.

NCAR funding under threat

Earlier this week, OMB director Ross Vought said he would dismantle NCAR. He called the agency a top source of climate alarmism. Then he added that any vital NCAR tasks would shift to other federal offices. In response, Colorado’s senators blocked a broad spending bill. This blockage puts funding for defense, education, transportation, and more at risk. Republicans had hoped to pass the bill quickly to avoid another shutdown in January. However, Bennet and Hickenlooper made clear they will not budge on NCAR funding.

What is NCAR and why it matters

The National Center for Atmospheric Research studies Earth’s natural forces. It uses high-tech tools and supercomputers to track weather and climate trends. Emergency responders rely on its flood and fire models to save lives. Farmers, city planners, and scientists across the country also benefit from its data. Without NCAR funding, many vital projects could stall. As a result, communities might lose early warnings for extreme weather events. Therefore, NCAR plays a crucial role in public safety and scientific progress.

OMB plan to dismantle NCAR triggers anger

Ross Vought helped shape the Project 2025 agenda, a far-right blueprint for federal policy. This week, he branded NCAR as too alarmist on climate change. He argued that other agencies could handle its functions. He did not specify which offices would take over. His plan stunned state officials and climate experts. In Colorado, it feels like a direct attack on local jobs and research infrastructure. Moreover, it threatens to uproot decades of work by NCAR scientists.

Senators use hold to protect NCAR funding

Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper issued a joint statement defending their state. They called the dismantling plan “reckless” and “corrupt.” Then they announced a hold on the minibus funding package. Their goal is simple: full funding for the National Center for Atmospheric Research. They warned that they will pull every lever to defend Colorado’s interests. This hold could delay funding for dozens of agencies. However, it sends a clear message that NCAR funding is nonnegotiable.

What this means for federal agencies

If the hold persists, many departments could face budget uncertainty. Defense contractors, health researchers, and education programs may see delays. Lawmakers on both sides fear a partial government shutdown. They worry such a shutdown could harm national security and public services. Meanwhile, the debate over NCAR funding shines light on larger fights. Those include disagreements over climate science, federal priorities, and state interests.

Colorado’s growing battles with Trump

This NCAR fight is not the only recent clash between Colorado and the Trump administration. Early this year, Trump revived a plan to move U.S. Space Command from Colorado Springs to Alabama. That proposal drew rare bipartisan anger. It even united pro-Trump and anti-Trump members of Colorado’s congressional delegation. In addition, Colorado officials have pushed back on land use changes and oil drilling rules. These conflicts show a growing pattern of tension.

The broader fight over federal spending

The minibus package would fund up to ninety percent of federal operations. Congress usually splits spending bills into smaller chunks, or “minibuses.” Republicans wanted this method to avoid a full shutdown in January. Yet Bennet and Hickenlooper’s hold exposes how a single state can stall a massive bill. It also highlights deep divides over climate research and science funding. Some lawmakers want to cut environmental and research programs. Others insist that science agencies are vital for the nation’s wellbeing.

What happens next

Negotiations between Democrats and Republicans will intensify in coming days. Colorado’s senators say they will lift the hold only when NCAR receives full funding. Meanwhile, OMB director Ross Vought has not indicated any change. If talks fail, a partial shutdown could begin in early January. That outcome would endanger many federal functions. Additionally, it would spotlight the role of climate science in budget battles. Lawmakers nationwide will watch Colorado’s standoff closely.

Frequently asked questions

What is the National Center for Atmospheric Research?

The National Center for Atmospheric Research is a leading research agency. It focuses on weather, climate, and natural hazard studies to protect lives and property.

Why did Colorado’s senators block the funding bill?

They blocked the bill to protest plans that would weaken or dismantle NCAR. They demand full funding to preserve critical climate research.

How could this hold affect other agencies?

The senators’ hold could delay funding for defense, health, education, and transportation programs, risking a partial government shutdown.

What are Colorado officials’ other conflicts with the Trump administration?

Colorado leaders have also objected to moving U.S. Space Command out of their state and to changes in public land and drilling policies.