1. United States
2. Mo.
3. Letter

I am writing to express deep concern and outrage over recent reporting that critical personnel within the State Department’s Bureau of Energy Resources were eliminated as part of workforce reduction efforts, leaving the United States dangerously unprepared during a time of escalating conflict with Iran. According to recent reporting, dozens of experienced energy diplomats and analysts were removed months before a major geopolitical crisis. These were not redundant positions. These were experts responsible for tracking global energy markets, coordinating with allies, and anticipating disruptions that directly affect our economy and national security. Former officials have made it clear that these cuts stripped the government of vital institutional knowledge and global relationships at the exact moment they were most needed. The loss of this expertise has contributed to instability in global energy markets, rising oil prices, and a lack of preparedness in responding to a rapidly evolving conflict. This is not about politics. This is about competence, foresight, and the basic responsibility to protect the American people and economy. Gutting critical national security infrastructure in the name of efficiency is not reform. It is negligence. I urge you to demand immediate oversight into these workforce reductions and their impact on national security. Congress must investigate how and why these decisions were made, who approved them, and what steps are being taken to restore the expertise that has been lost. The American people deserve a government that is prepared, informed, and capable of responding to global crises. Right now, it is clear that we are falling short. I expect you to take this issue seriously and to act with urgency.