1. United States
2. Ariz.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to oppose the Office of Management and Budget's directive to claw back $600 million in Centers for Disease Control and Prevention funding from public health programs in California, Colorado, Illinois, and Minnesota. These cuts, justified by claims of "waste and mismanagement," threaten essential infrastructure that protects all Americans from disease and health crises. The targeted programs provide critical services that transcend state boundaries. These funds support early detection of disease outbreaks, HIV prevention, intimate partner violence prevention initiatives, efforts to reduce health disparities, modernization of data systems, and strengthening of the public health workforce. When disease outbreaks occur, they do not respect state lines or political affiliations. Weakening public health capacity in any state creates vulnerabilities that affect the entire nation. While a judge has temporarily blocked these cuts, the administration has indicated it will continue efforts to withhold these federal dollars. This creates uncertainty that disrupts planning and implementation of programs already underway. Public health departments rely on consistent funding to maintain surveillance systems, retain trained staff, and respond rapidly to emerging threats. The characterization of these cuts as politically motivated is concerning. Federal public health funding should be allocated based on evidence, need, and effectiveness rather than the political leadership of recipient states. Punishing states based on their electoral outcomes undermines the principle that all Americans deserve equal protection from health threats regardless of where they live. I ask you to take immediate action to oppose these cuts and demand full restoration of the $600 million in CDC funding. Congress has the authority and responsibility to ensure that appropriated funds are distributed according to their intended purpose. These programs were established through proper channels and serve legitimate public health needs that benefit communities across the country.