Preserve Critical Government Expertise for National Security and Public Health

I am writing to express my deep concern about the alarming exodus of experienced personnel from key government agencies, including the CDC, Pentagon, and intelligence community. This mass departure of expertise poses a significant threat to our national security and public health preparedness. Since January, approximately 3,000 CDC staffers have resigned or been fired, with similar reductions at the FDA and NIH. This loss of scientific expertise is particularly troubling as we face ongoing public health challenges. The firing of CDC director Susan Monarez and subsequent mass resignations of top scientists have left our nation's primary public health agency severely understaffed and potentially compromised in its ability to respond to future health crises. The situation is equally dire in our national security apparatus. The dismissal of Defense Intelligence Agency director Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Kruse and the announcement of a 40% staff cut by Intelligence Chief Tulsi Gabbard are deeply concerning. These actions, coupled with high-profile departures from other agencies, represent a loss of centuries of collective experience in critical areas of national defense and intelligence gathering. While some may view this as a necessary "cleansing" of government institutions, the reality is that we are losing invaluable expertise that cannot be easily replaced. This exodus will likely have long-lasting impacts on our government's effectiveness and our nation's preparedness to face both domestic and international challenges. I urge you to take immediate action to address this crisis. We need a thorough investigation into the reasons behind these mass departures and a plan to retain and attract top talent in our government agencies. Additionally, I ask that you support legislation to protect the integrity and independence of our scientific and intelligence communities from political interference. The safety and security of our nation depend on having experienced, knowledgeable professionals in these critical roles. We cannot afford to lose this expertise. Please act now to preserve the institutional knowledge and capabilities that are essential to effective governance and national security.