Dear House of Delegates Colleagues and Friends,  Your HAC recently met in person for a regularly scheduled meeting to discuss our upcoming session in Washington, D.C. The events of the last couple of weeks, however, have compelled us to shift the focus of this update.  The evening before our meeting, we received word along with you, about the impending layoffs at the FDA CVM and the rippling effects throughout the public health and research sectors. We recognize the impact this will have on our profession, animal health, and public health and want to express not only the AVMA's unwavering support, but also our personal support and concern for our affected colleagues and friends.   Your HAC was already discussing the impacts of dues increases on allied caucus membership, as was brought up during our January meeting.  These most recent events have amplified that need, as the landscape of employment shifts rapidly. Please know that the AVMA stands firm in advocating for your vital role within the federal employment and public health sectors, where your contributions to animal health and welfare are indispensable. We also know that your voice is essential in the House of Delegates, bringing subject-matter expertise that is critical to our policy-making decisions.  To support federal veterinarians at this time, we extended the grace period for those who had indicated that they work in this sector and had not yet renewed their 2025 membership dues so they would not be disconnected from their benefits. We also let them know that if they find themselves in the unfortunate position of losing their job that they should reach out to inquire about a waiver of their 2025 dues. Additionally, we will offer a discount on convention registration for those impacted, ensuring that they continue to have access to the resources, continuing education, and community that the AVMA provides. We also want to highlight that delegates from the AVMA will be actively engaging with legislators at our upcoming July convention in Washington, D.C. This is a critical opportunity for us to advocate for the role of federal veterinarians and the invaluable services you provide. Your work is essential, and we are committed to ensuring that your voices are heard in the halls of decision-making. In the last two years, the HOD has passed two resolutions highlighting the essential role federal veterinarians, public health veterinarians, and uniformed service veterinarians play for global animal health, food security, and public health.  In addition, I personally want to thank Drs Joe Annelli and Leah Trapp, delegates for the National Association for Federal Veterinarians, which was one of the first Allied organizations to co-sponsor the MVMA Biosecurity resolution that was voted into policy in January. Specifically, I want to thank Joe for speaking on behalf of the policy during the floor debate, as he delivered a very powerful and well-timed message. I have known Dr. Annelli when he was a graduate student at the UMN CVM. While I was only a DVM student at the time, he took time from his busy schedule to talk with me and encourage me to follow my career path of swine medicine. I will never forget this. Together, we will navigate these challenges, and the AVMA will continue to be a source of support and representation for all federally employed veterinarians. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. Thank you for your dedication to our profession and the animals we serve. We stand with you in solidarity. Your House Advisory Committee – Juan, Lindy, Libby, Stuart, Doug, Tracy, and Diana