1. United States
2. La.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the nomination of Dr. David Weldon as Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Dr. Weldon has a documented history of questioning vaccine safety and aligning with anti-vaccine movements, which poses a significant threat to public health, especially as we face potential future pandemics. During his tenure in Congress, Dr. Weldon introduced legislation aimed at limiting the use of thimerosal in vaccines, despite scientific evidence supporting its safety. His actions have been celebrated by anti-vaccine groups, with one leader stating, "He is one of us!!" This association raises serious concerns about his ability to lead the CDC in promoting vaccination and responding effectively to infectious disease outbreaks. The United States is currently confronting increased threats from diseases such as bird flu, mpox, and resurgences of vaccine-preventable illnesses like measles and whooping cough. Appointing an individual with a history of vaccine skepticism to lead our nation's premier public health agency could undermine vaccination efforts, erode public trust, and hinder our capacity to manage and prevent disease outbreaks. I urge you to oppose Dr. Weldon's confirmation as CDC Director. We need leadership that is firmly grounded in scientific evidence and committed to advancing public health initiatives, including robust vaccination programs. Confirming Dr. Weldon would be a step backward in our efforts to protect the health of all Americans. Thank you for considering my concerns. I look forward to your response and to seeing actions that prioritize the well-being of our nation.