The FY 2026 federal appropriations process is beginning. Millions of children missed routine immunizations during the COVID-19 pandemic, and we have already seen a rise in the number of measles and polio outbreaks around the globe, and in the United States. Recent global health and security crises have shown that now is a critical moment to strengthen immunizations and protect health systems. These smart investments enhance our country’s global health security against current and future disease threats by detecting and stopping diseases early, at their source, and for a fraction of the cost of trying to contain an outbreak.