1. United States
2. Ga.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to protect the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), preserve critical public health programs and maintain all current FY2026 funding lines supporting birth defects prevention, infant health and related public health activities as the Senate considers the FY2027 Labor-HHS appropriations bill. The CDC has already experienced substantial workforce reductions and program losses. The remaining workforce continues to deliver essential public health services while facing ongoing uncertainty about funding, staffing and organizational changes. Further reductions would weaken our nation’s ability to respond to infectious disease outbreaks, chronic disease challenges, maternal and infant health issues, environmental threats and future public health emergencies. I am especially concerned about birth defects prevention activities and the removal of specific funding references that have historically supported this work in the House markup. While the House proposal largely preserves overall funding for the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities and the Birth Defects program, Congress should ensure that all current FY2026 activities, including infant health and folic acid prevention efforts, remain fully supported. Birth defects prevention remains one of the most effective investments in public health. Folic acid education, supplementation and food fortification have helped prevent serious neural tube defects affecting the brain and spine. These efforts have improved outcomes for families across the country and reduced the human and economic costs associated with preventable birth defects. There is no other federal program with the same national infrastructure, expertise and prevention mission. If these programs are diminished, there is no alternative system prepared to assume these responsibilities. I respectfully ask that the Senate: • Maintain all FY2026 funding lines and directives supporting birth defects prevention, infant health and folic acid activities. • Reject any cuts to CDC programs and public health infrastructure. • Oppose further reductions in force and workforce reductions across CDC and HHS. • Preserve the scientific, surveillance, prevention and health communication functions that protect Americans from current and emerging health threats. • Ensure that CDC remains capable of fulfilling its mission to protect health, prevent disease and save lives. Public health preparedness is not something that can be rebuilt overnight once it is lost, nor can I child lost to preventable birth defects like neural tube defects. Congress has an opportunity and responsibility to protect these programs before further damage is done. As a constituent and voter, I will be following these decisions closely and expect Congress to protect the public health infrastructure and workers that serves every American community. Sincerely,