1. United States
2. Fla.
3. Letter

As a physician, I am shocked and disheartened by the recent announcement to cut funding for the development of mRNA vaccines targeting respiratory viruses. This decision demonstrates a disturbing disregard for fundamental principles of science, public health, and virology. The mRNA platform is one of the most promising tools we have for rapid vaccine development and pandemic preparedness. Rolling back support for this technology not only undermines years of progress, but sets the stage for future outbreaks to spiral out of control—placing millions of lives at risk. Such a failure would be catastrophic and apolitical; no party will benefit from the public health and economic fallout of an unchecked pandemic. I urge you to reconsider this dangerous course of action and instead champion investment in science-based policies that protect the health and future of our nation.