1. United States
2. Fla.
3. Letter

I am writing as your constituent to express my strong opposition to the confirmation of Dr. Casey Means as U.S. Surgeon General. While the administration has spoken extensively about returning to "merit-based" hiring and eliminating DEI initiatives to ensure only the most qualified individuals serve, the nomination of Dr. Means directly contradicts that stated standard. The role of Surgeon General, the "Nation's Doctor",demands a leader with extensive, proven experience in clinical medicine and public health administration. Dr. Means does not meet this standard for the following reasons: Lack of Professional Merit: Dr. Means does not currently hold an active medical license and has not practiced clinical medicine for several years. By her own admission during her recent hearing, she does not plan to reactivate her license. Appointing someone without the credentials to prescribe medication or lead a clinical team to oversee 6,000 members of the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps undermines the very concept of a "merit-based" appointment. Promotion of Pseudoscience vs. Evidence-Based Practice: In my own professional interests in education, I understand that community health relies on evidence-based practice. Dr. Means has consistently prioritized "wellness" influencer narratives over peer-reviewed science. Her inability to provide direct answers on the safety of routine vaccinations is alarming, particularly as we face rising measles cases and a surge in preventable public health threats. Inconsistency in Policy: If the administration’s goal is to ensure the highest level of competence in the federal government, it is ridiculous to bypass seasoned public health experts for a social media influencer. We need leaders whose qualifications are beyond reproach and who can be direct AND ACCURATE with the American people about health data. It is important that you protect the American public from dangerous misinformation that can have a major effect on their health, not excluding death. I urge you to hold this nominee to the same high standard of merit that the administration claims** to champion. Please vote "No" on the confirmation of Casey Means to protect the integrity of our nation’s health. Sincerely, ZW