1. United States
2. Wisc.
3. Letter

Protect HIV Science, Public Health Funding, and LGBTQ+ Health Services I recently read a powerful testimony from a long‑term HIV survivor, and it reminded me how essential science and public health funding are — not just historically, but right now. The medical breakthroughs that transformed HIV from a fatal diagnosis into a manageable condition only exist because activists fought for research and because policymakers protected funding. Today, several political proposals at the federal level have aimed to reduce or eliminate programs that support HIV prevention, treatment, and LGBTQ+ health services. These include attempts to cut Medicaid and NIH funding, roll back nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ+ patients, restrict access to PrEP, and reduce support for community clinics that provide HIV testing and care. These policies would directly undermine the scientific progress that has saved millions of lives. I hope you will continue to support strong public health funding, protect access to HIV treatment and prevention, and ensure that LGBTQ+ people receive safe, affirming medical care. The lessons of the AIDS crisis must not be forgotten, and the progress we’ve made should never be taken for granted. Thank you for your time and your commitment to public health.