Recognizing the anniversary of the eradication of smallpox and the importance of vaccination in the United States and worldwide.

commends the past and current work of scientists who have spent their careers developing vaccines and transforming the modern world, as well as the tireless work of the public health community to educate communities about the lifesaving benefits of vaccination;

affirms the importance of vaccines to prevent disease and save lives and the importance of herd immunity to protect those who are too young or too sick to be vaccinated;

recognizes that vaccine hesitancy and lack of access to vaccines are ongoing threats to the public health successes achieved to date;

encourages the public to seek out trusted sources to learn more about vaccines, such as a pediatrician or other clinician, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or the World Health Organization;

commends the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health for their critical support of vaccine research and development; and

urges Congress to provide robust funding for vaccine research and education efforts.