Restore funding to bolster public health infrastructure

The United States' public health infrastructure is being severely undermined by relentless funding cuts, leaving communities vulnerable to both emerging and resurgent infectious diseases. Reports indicate that budget slashes at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have crippled the agency's ability to detect and respond to new pandemics. Simultaneously, reductions in funding for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) have hampered vaccination and treatment efforts against diseases like tuberculosis, measles, polio, and HIV around the world, increasing the risk of these pathogens spreading across borders. Furthermore, cuts to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have weakened food inspection capabilities, raising the likelihood of widespread foodborne illness outbreaks occurring without adequate monitoring and prevention measures in place. Local public health agencies tasked with inspecting restaurants and food establishments have also suffered diminished resources, exacerbating this issue. This systematic erosion of the nation's public health defenses poses a severe threat to the well-being of all Americans. Decisive action must be taken to restore funding for the CDC, USAID, FDA, and local health departments to safeguard public health and ensure the United States is prepared to confront both emerging and resurgent infectious disease threats effectively. Failure to prioritize these critical investments will continue to jeopardize the health and safety of communities nationwide.