AAP Statement on Passage of the Rescissions Act of 2025

By: Susan J. Kressly, MD, FAAP, President, American Academy of Pediatrics 

“Today’s passage of the Rescissions Act of 2025 to cut funding for U.S. foreign assistance programs and public broadcasting will impact the health of children and families both here and across the globe.  

“U.S. foreign assistance programs play a critical role in advancing global child survival, health, and development – and they also impact the health and well-being of children here in the United States. Global health and immunization programs not only help other countries build strong public health systems and respond to disease outbreaks, but they also work to stop preventable illnesses before they reach pediatrician waiting rooms in the U.S. Cuts to these vital programs will have wide-reaching impact, jeopardizing the historic gains our country has led in global child survival, and also placing the health of children in our country at risk.  

“The cuts this legislation makes to public broadcasting will also have consequences for child development. As children learn, grow and consume content in this digital age, we must ensure they have access to free, high-quality digital content that supports their developing minds. PBS Kids is a trusted resource for families seeking enriching digital content that supports their learning and development from a young age. Reducing federal support for public broadcasting threatens access to this valuable content, leaving our children—particularly those in rural communities — worse off. 

“Taken together, these cuts harm children’s health and well-being. Pediatricians will continue to step up and speak up for children, families and communities across the country and around the world, and we call on our federal leaders to do the same.” 

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The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 67,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.