1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

The Trump administration’s dismantling of critical programs for children is a profound injustice that demands urgent Congressional intervention. Essential funding has been unlawfully rescinded, putting the health, safety, and future of millions of vulnerable young Americans at risk. Cuts to foundational initiatives like Head Start, child protective services, and efforts to combat child exploitation and youth violence represent a stunning abandonment of duty. Stripping support from the very systems designed to protect our youth is unacceptable and must not stand. Equally troubling are the CDC staffing reductions that have severely hindered public outreach around childhood vaccinations. Without this education, families are left in the dark about routine immunizations—posing a serious threat to public health and placing an entire generation in jeopardy. Failure to immediately restore these funds would be a moral failure of historic proportions, with lasting consequences for our society. The wellbeing of America’s children is not up for debate. Congress must act now to reverse these cuts and fully reinstate all funding for youth-focused programs. The future of the nation depends on our willingness to protect and invest in the most vulnerable among us.