1. United States
2. Iowa
3. Letter

I strongly urge reconsideration of the decision to cancel $500 million in funding for mRNA vaccine development projects. This technology has proven safe and highly effective, saving millions of lives during the COVID-19 pandemic. Abandoning this vital research puts us at great risk for future pandemics and makes developing critical vaccines like those for influenza much more difficult. While pursuing additional vaccine approaches is prudent, completely defunding the highly promising mRNA platform is dangerously shortsighted. We must continue investing in innovative solutions like mRNA vaccines to protect public health and ensure we are prepared for emerging disease threats. I implore you to reinstate funding for these essential mRNA vaccine projects in the interests of public safety and pandemic preparedness.