1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

I urge you to support restoring influenza vaccination requirements for members of the U.S. military and to support an evidence-based scientific review of vaccination policy for the general public. Public policy should be guided by the best available scientific evidence. Science is a method for discovering how nature works through observation, testing, and evidence, regardless of personal or political beliefs. The recent influenza outbreak at Joint Base San Antonio–Lackland demonstrates the consequences of weakening long-standing public health protections. According to public reports, the outbreak resulted in hundreds of confirmed flu cases, multiple hospitalizations, and the tragic death of Air Force trainee Keon McDaniel. Military recruits live, train, and work in close quarters, making infectious disease prevention essential to force readiness and mission success. For decades, annual influenza vaccination was a standard military readiness measure because it reduced the risk of outbreaks that could impair operations. Decisions affecting the health and readiness of our armed forces should be based on medical expertise and scientific evidence rather than politics or ideology. More broadly, I encourage Congress to support transparent, independent, evidence-based reviews of vaccination policy for the general public. Such reviews should consider the latest scientific research, openly evaluate benefits and risks, and communicate findings clearly so that public trust is strengthened through transparency. Please support policies that protect the health of our service members, preserve military readiness, and ensure that public health decisions continue to be guided by rigorous scientific evidence.