diff --git a/tests/WE2E/run_WE2E_tests.py b/tests/WE2E/run_WE2E_tests.py
index 78c0f8b449..f83073a735 100755
--- a/tests/WE2E/run_WE2E_tests.py
+++ b/tests/WE2E/run_WE2E_tests.py
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@
 from textwrap import dedent
 from datetime import datetime
 
-sys.path.append("../../ush")
+sys.path.insert(1, "../../ush")
 
 from generate_FV3LAM_wflow import generate_FV3LAM_wflow
 from python_utils import (
diff --git a/ush/retrieve_data.py b/ush/retrieve_data.py
index 1b6da4a4e2..4273a922b1 100755
--- a/ush/retrieve_data.py
+++ b/ush/retrieve_data.py
@@ -609,11 +609,11 @@ def hpss_requested_files(cla, file_names, store_specs, members=-1, ens_group=-1)
             # something has gone wrong.
             unavailable = set.union(*unavailable.values())
         
-        # Break loop if unexpected files were found or if files were found
-        # A successful file found does not equal the expected file list and 
-        # returns an empty set function.
-        if not expected == unavailable:
-            return unavailable - expected
+    # Break loop if unexpected files were found or if files were found
+    # A successful file found does not equal the expected file list and 
+    # returns an empty set function.
+    if not expected == unavailable:
+        return unavailable - expected
     
     # If this loop has completed successfully without returning early, then all files have been found
     return {}