1. United States
2. Pa.
3. Letter

I urge Congress to protect the integrity of our nation’s public-health agencies and demand that federal vaccine policy, disease surveillance, and public communications be driven by scientific evidence—not ideology or political interference. The United States is experiencing its worst measles year in decades. More than 3,000 cases have already been reported nationally. Pennsylvania alone has reported nearly 700 cases and four measles-associated deaths. A disease declared eliminated in the United States in 2000 is again spreading through American communities. This is precisely when Americans need to be able to trust the CDC and HHS. Instead, Reuters reported that Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. asked the CDC director to remove references to Pennsylvania measles deaths from the agency’s national tally after questioning the state’s classification. Whatever disagreements may exist over an individual case, public-health data must be evaluated through established scientific and epidemiological standards—not altered because an administration official disputes an inconvenient finding. Congress must insist on: accurate, complete, and transparent reporting of vaccine-preventable disease and deaths; vaccine recommendations based on the best available scientific evidence and qualified medical expertise; protection of CDC scientists and public-health officials from political interference; and clear, unequivocal communication to Americans about what decades of evidence show regarding vaccine safety and effectiveness. Americans deserve the truth about vaccine science. Parents deserve reliable information when making decisions for their children. And people who are too young, medically unable to be vaccinated, or otherwise vulnerable deserve a public-health system committed to protecting them. Scientific facts should not change with an administration. Disease surveillance should not depend on whether the numbers are politically convenient. Congress must defend the scientific integrity and independence of our public-health institutions before more preventable illness and death occur.