1. United States
2. Ga.
3. Letter

The Trump administration's decision to lay off probationary employees at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) is deeply concerning. These agencies play a vital role in protecting public health and advancing critical medical research. Dismissing skilled professionals, including first-year fellows in the CDC's Epidemic Intelligence Service program and NIH researchers, will undermine their ability to fulfill their missions effectively. Maintaining a robust and experienced workforce at the CDC and NIH is essential for responding to disease outbreaks, conducting groundbreaking research, and ensuring the well-being of the public. The loss of these individuals, some of whom have served for decades, will have far-reaching consequences, potentially leading to facility closures and turning away patients due to staffing shortages. I urge you to reconsider these misguided job cuts and prioritize the retention of qualified personnel at these crucial agencies. Protecting the integrity of the CDC and NIH should be a top priority, as their work directly impacts the health and safety of all Americans. Please take action to preserve the expertise and continuity of these invaluable institutions.