1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

I am writing to express my deep concern about reports that cuts to USAID and global health programs are undermining the response to the growing Ebola outbreak in Central and East Africa. According to reporting by WIRED, public health workers on the ground say they are already facing shortages of masks, hand sanitizer, testing components, and other basic medical supplies because of funding cuts and the dismantling of critical international response infrastructure. The World Health Organization has now declared the outbreak an emergency of international concern. Global disease outbreaks do not stay confined by borders. Weakening international health systems and emergency response capabilities puts lives at risk abroad and increases the danger of future spread worldwide, including to Americans. Public health preparedness is national security. I urge you to oppose further cuts to global health and humanitarian aid programs, support full funding for epidemic prevention and response efforts, and defend the work of organizations that help contain deadly outbreaks before they become global crises. The United States has long been a leader in international public health. Congress should ensure that leadership continues. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.