1. United States
2. Neb.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to vote against the confirmation of Casey Means as Surgeon General. This nomination raises fundamental questions about the qualifications required for America's chief health educator and medical spokesperson. Casey Means is not a licensed physician. After completing medical school at Stanford, she chose not to pursue residency training or medical licensure, instead building a career as a wellness influencer and entrepreneur. The Surgeon General position demands someone with active clinical experience, board certification, and deep expertise in public health practice. This role requires the credibility to speak authoritatively during health crises, guide complex medical policy, and command respect from the healthcare community. The Surgeon General serves as the nation's doctor, responsible for communicating evidence-based health guidance to 330 million Americans. During pandemics, disease outbreaks, and public health emergencies, this official must interpret complex medical data, coordinate with clinical experts, and provide trusted counsel to families making healthcare decisions. An unlicensed wellness influencer lacks the professional foundation necessary for these critical responsibilities. Recent confirmation hearings revealed concerning gaps in the nominee's positions on established public health measures, including childhood vaccination policies that have prevented millions of deaths since their introduction. Senator Cassidy's questioning highlighted the nominee's reluctance to support proven immunization programs that protect vulnerable populations. We have seen the consequences of appointing health officials who lack traditional medical credentials and who promote alternative health narratives over established science. State-level examples demonstrate how such appointments can undermine public confidence in evidence-based medicine and create confusion during health emergencies. I ask that you vote against this confirmation. The American people deserve a Surgeon General with active medical licensure, clinical experience, and an unwavering commitment to science-based public health policy.