Trump's Public Health Picks: What's at Stake?

Health has gotten a lot better in the U. S. Over the last 50 years, life expectancy has increased by nearly 10 years. We're seeing fewer deaths from heart disease and cancer. Even the latest health threats, like opioids and COVID-19, are on track to cause fewer deaths. But change is coming. President-elect Trump has nominated people who don't believe in using science and data to make health decisions. The Department of Health and Human Services, with a $2 trillion budget, has been responsible for these health improvements. It includes important agencies like the FDA and CDC. For decades, leaders from both parties have used science and facts to make rules for hospitals, doctors, and medical devices. They've kept Americans safe and healthy. The new administration wants to make big changes. They want to stop using science and data to make health decisions. Instead, they're relying on personal beliefs and untested ideas. Some of the nominees have spread false information about vaccines and diseases. They want to stop funding research for new medicines and infectious diseases. This could be a big problem. Vaccines and research have helped us make huge progress in health. If we stop using science, we might not make the same progress in the future. People might get sick and die because they didn't get the right treatments or vaccines. We should be honest about what works and what doesn't. We should reform the system, not erase it. The Senate confirmation process is a chance to ask important questions and get honest answers. Our health is at stake.