1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

The closure of the CDC's top laboratory for sexually transmitted diseases by the Trump administration is a reckless and short-sighted decision that will have severe public health consequences. Sexually transmitted infections are a major health crisis affecting millions of Americans each year. Defunding and shuttering the preeminent facility dedicated to combating these diseases demonstrates an appalling disregard for public wellbeing. This irresponsible action will inevitably lead to unchecked spread of infections, compounding an already dire situation. Sustained investment in research, testing, and treatment is crucial to containing STDs and mitigating their considerable human toll and economic costs. Reinstate full funding and operations at this vital CDC laboratory immediately to protect the health and safety of all Americans.