CELEBRATING TRUST FOR AMERICA'S HEALTH

On 2026-09-15, Representative Rosa L. DeLauro (D-CT-3) delivered a floor speech titled "CELEBRATING TRUST FOR AMERICA'S HEALTH" in the House.

CELEBRATING TRUST FOR AMERICA'S HEALTH

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 145 (Tuesday, September 15, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 145 (Tuesday, September 15, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E922] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CELEBRATING TRUST FOR AMERICA'S HEALTH ______ HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO of connecticut in the house of representatives Tuesday, September 15, 2026 Ms. DeLAURO. Mr Speaker, I rise to honor and celebrate the work of an extraordinary organization, Trust for America's Health, which for 25 years has served as a preeminent voice for public health advocates in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Trust for America's Health, or TFAH, is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2026. Formed with a vision to advocate for environmental and public health, it has since broadened its mission to envisioning ``a nation that values the health and well-being of all and where prevention and health equity are foundational to policymaking at all levels of society.'' The first chairman of TFAH's Board of Directors was former Connecticut Senator and Governor Lowell Weicker. His work leading TFAH's Board of Directors helped establish and strengthen the organization as a voice for public health in the decade after 9/11. Today, TFAH's extensive body of research includes pivotal reports on issues such as obesity prevention, public health funding, emergency preparedness, and addressing the epidemics of deaths from overdose, suicide, and alcohol. Every four years, TFAH also publishes a Blueprint for the incoming presidential administration and congress. Each of these reports translates evidence into policy action, helping to inform key legislation and funding priorities. TFAH's research and advocacy have been integral in building our Nation's health security, advocating for the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act and its reauthorizations and strengthening foundational public health preparedness programs like the Public Health Emergency Preparedness program. TFAH was also an essential voice in preparing for and responding in times of crisis. Their work during health emergencies from H1N1 to Ebola to Zika to Covid-19 always focused on supporting the underlying infrastructure to keep our country safer in future emergencies. As an appropriator, I have relied on TFAH's trusted voice and coalition-building to support significant and innovative investments in public health, such as the Prevention and Public Health Fund, public health infrastructure funding, and support for addressing adverse childhood experiences and funding suicide prevegion programs. As someone who has been fortunate enough to employ several former TFAH employees, I can say firsthand that their expertise has always been valued. Today, TFAH's work matters more than ever, as public health faces major headwinds, workforce challenges, and unstable funding. I join the extended public health community in celebrating their accomplishments. It gives me hope about the next 25 years knowing that TFAH can continue to be a bridge to the future of public health, promoting and protecting it for generations to come. ____________________