1. United States
2. Mo.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the actions of Russell Vought, the Trump administration, and the ongoing politicization of federal agencies that were created to serve the American people, not political agendas. Recent reports from current and former employees at the National Institutes of Health describe a troubling pattern of political interference in scientific research, the cancellation of grants for ideological reasons, the loss of experienced staff, and the suppression of dissenting viewpoints within one of our nation’s most important public health institutions. Hundreds of NIH employees have publicly stated that politics is increasingly driving decisions that should be based on scientific merit and public health needs. Federal agencies function best when career experts are allowed to do their jobs without political pressure. Whether the issue is biomedical research, public health, environmental protection, or the administration of government programs, Americans depend on decisions being made based on evidence, expertise, and law, not partisan loyalty tests or ideological preferences. Russell Vought has repeatedly advocated for restructuring the federal government in ways that would weaken the independence of career civil servants and concentrate greater authority in the hands of political appointees. Many Americans view these efforts as a direct threat to the professional, nonpartisan civil service that has served our country for generations. I am particularly alarmed by reports that scientific grants have been delayed, terminated, or subjected to additional scrutiny based on politically sensitive topics rather than scientific value. Researchers and NIH employees have warned that these actions could undermine medical breakthroughs, waste taxpayer investments already made in ongoing studies, and damage America’s leadership in scientific innovation. Congress has a constitutional responsibility to provide oversight and to protect the integrity of federal institutions. I urge you to speak out against efforts to politicize scientific research, weaken the civil service, and concentrate power at the expense of accountability and expertise. The American people deserve a government that works for them, not one that treats federal agencies as tools for political objectives. Future generations will depend on the decisions being made today, particularly in areas such as medical research, public health, and scientific advancement. I ask that you publicly oppose these actions, defend the independence of federal agencies, and work to preserve a professional civil service that serves all Americans regardless of which party is in power. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your response.