Notes on National Debt, HHS Transformation, and Healthcare Priorities

The national debt is a significant threat, exacerbated by the current administration's spending.
The U.S. is on an unsustainable fiscal path, with a gross national debt of $36,200,000,000,000$ , equating to over $270,000$ per household.
Addressing waste, fraud, and abuse is crucial to mitigate the debt crisis, especially concerning healthcare costs and an aging population.
The approach of simply throwing money at the problem has been ineffective.

The proposed reorganization aims to make the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) more efficient and effective.
Cuts are designed to eliminate waste, fraud, abuse, and redundancies to streamline the department.

During the Biden administration, the budget of HHS increased by 38%, but American health declined.
In 1986, the equivalent of $250$ (in current dollars) was spent by the agency; today, $1,450,000,000,000$ is spent on chronic disease alone, with the agency's total budget being over $1,700,000,000,000$ .
Lifespan ranking has declined from 11th in 1986 to 49th today, indicating that the U.S. is currently the sickest country in the world.
The U.S. had the highest death rate during COVID-19 due to a high chronic disease burden.
The focus needs to shift from a sick care system to a health care system.

Few NIH studies focused on the impact of factors like seed oils, corn syrup, food dyes, packaging, microplastics, and pesticides on children's health; these areas need more attention.
Examples of studies that were cut include:
- A $2,200,000$ study from Boston University on the effects of exogenous testosterone therapy on communication in gender-diverse speakers.
- A $3,000,000$ study at the University of Pennsylvania on anti-vaping social media campaigns targeting sexual gender minorities teens between 13 and 18.
- A $1,000,000$ study from the University of Michigan on sexual fluidity and longitudinal changes in alcohol misuse.
The aim is to return NIH to evidence-based science, with gold standard replicated studies, published data, and peer reviews that have been missing for the last 30 years.

Questions will be submitted regarding help for children with ultra-rare mitochondrial disorders, such as HOPE with MLS syndrome and Jackson with Barth syndrome, who need access to lifesaving medications.
Commitment to helping with orphan drugs and rare diseases.