1. United States
2. Letter

The Trump administration's decision to pause communication from health agencies like the CDC is deeply concerning, especially amidst growing outbreaks of bird flu across the country. As Dr. Patrick Jackson explains, open information sharing and close coordination between federal, state, and local authorities is crucial for effectively monitoring and responding to public health threats like this evolving bird flu situation. The CDC's weekly reports on infectious diseases provide essential data that medical professionals rely on. Withholding this vital research and cutting off communication channels undermines our ability to track and address outbreaks in a timely manner. It puts vulnerable populations like hunters, agricultural workers, and the general public at greater risk. In the interest of protecting public health and safety, I urge you to insist the administration immediately restore independent public communication from scientific agencies. We cannot afford censorship or information blackouts when dealing with potentially pandemic diseases. The American people have a right to full transparency and access to the latest scientific findings during health crises. Our nation's response will be crippled without the free flow of data and expertise from bodies like the CDC. For the sake of all our citizens, it is imperative you take action to ensure health and science agencies can openly share their research and guidance without political interference. Lives hang in the balance.