I am writing with deep concern about the radical and dangerous dismantling of our public health infrastructure. Recent Trump administration actions have already slashed funding and staffing at agencies like the CDC, NIH, FDA, and HRSA. Now, further reductions are proposed in the FY2026 budget. Congress must act to reverse the damage and restore full funding.
Cuts That Have Already Occurred
• The CDC has lost nearly half its budget and 2,400 staff. Programs in chronic disease, environmental health, and injury prevention have been dismantled. Public tools like the Social Vulnerability Index were taken offline.
• The NIH has lost $20 billion and 1,200 staff. Many grants have been canceled, and a cap on indirect costs is forcing universities to scale back research.
• The FDA has cut 3,500 jobs, delaying oversight of food, drugs, and tobacco.
• The HRSA has lost $1.73 billion, affecting HIV care, maternal health, and workforce training.
FY2026 Budget Proposals Make It Worse
They would:
• Consolidate funding for infectious disease, hepatitis, STIs, and TB into a $300M grant, while eliminating CDC divisions on chronic disease, injury, environment, and global health.
• Eliminate four NIH institutes and further weaken research capacity.
• Cut HHS by 26% ($33B) and reduce contracts by 35%.
• Terminate grants for programs like Head Start and low-income child health.
Congress Must Act
I urge you to:
1. Restore funding and staffing already cut.
2. Reject FY2026 proposals that threaten health programs.
3. Fully fund the CDC, NIH, FDA, and HRSA.
Please act now.
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