1. United States
2. Ore.
3. Letter

Eliminating up to 10,000 jobs at the Department of Health and Human Services is deeply concerning and poses grave risks to public health. This agency plays a vital role in disease monitoring, medical research, regulating food and drugs, and administering critical health insurance programs that millions of Americans rely on. Drastically downsizing HHS will hamstring its ability to respond effectively during public health emergencies and crises. We need a strong, well-staffed department to provide proper oversight and safeguard the nation's wellbeing. Proceeding with these draconian cuts would be an abdication of the government's responsibility to protect its citizens. I urge reconsideration of this misguided restructuring plan that jeopardizes the health and safety of all Americans.