Leaders of congressional committees dealing with health issues crossed party lines and chambers to urge other U.S. lawmakers to recognize the importance and safety of FDA-approved vaccines. A "dear colleague" letter – signed by Sens. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Reps. Greg Walden (R-Ore.), Frank Pallone (D-N.J.), Michael Burgess (R-Texas) and Gene Green (D-Texas) – highlighted the life-saving history of vaccines and recent outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. "The science is clear: FDA-licensed vaccines are proven to be safe and effective and save the lives of both those who receive them and vulnerable individuals around them," the letter said. "As members of Congress, we have a critical role to play in supporting the availability and use of vaccines to protect Americans from deadly diseases."