The Office for U.S. Pandemic Policy and Response (OPPR) has been largely vacated, raising concerns among public health experts about the erosion of the United States' pandemic preparedness and biosecurity capabilities. Experts warn that the departure of experienced staff from OPPR results in a loss of institutional knowledge critical for interagency coordination, global partnerships, and biosecurity policy development. This development comes amid warnings that fragmented biosurveillance across agencies diminishes the likelihood of early detection and containment of emerging threats. Critics have also expressed concern that policy shifts within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and a lack of congressional engagement are undermining national readiness, leaving the country vulnerable to biological threats from abroad and hostile actors. Historical examples such as the impact of penicillin in World War II and mRNA vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic highlight the importance of innovation and sustained leadership in global health to save lives and respond effectively to emerging health crises.