Americans don’t feel prepared for terrorism, nuclear threats, cyberattacks, and biological threats, according to a new survey from Defend Forgotten America (DFA). Many feel there is a bias toward large cities when it comes to protecting Americans from biological attacks.
Preparedness at home is incredibly important as the U.S. responds to threats abroad from adversaries like the Iranian regime.
Voters Concerned about Terrorism, Nuclear Threats, Cyberattacks, and Biological Threats
When it comes to threats to American national security, voters are concerned about terrorism (37% extremely concerned), nuclear weapons proliferation (35%), cyberattacks on critical infrastructure (34%), and biological threats or bioterrorism (29%).
Voters’ concern in these areas ranked above concern about Russia, pandemics and disease outbreaks, China’s military expansion, border security, and transnational gang violence.
When asked to weigh biological threat preparedness against other national security priorities, majorities say it should be treated equally to every threat tested.
America Feels Underprepared
Only 9% of Americans believe the U.S. is extremely prepared to respond to a biological threat incident. A 44% plurality deem us somewhat prepared, and nearly a third say we are not at all prepared. Meanwhile, 37% believe we are more prepared now than we were ten years ago, but the plurality opinion at 44% is that our preparedness levels are about the same.
Rural Communities Want Equal Protection
Most (61%) believe there is a bias toward large cities when it comes to protecting Americans from biological attacks, though 30% believe they are treated equally. And voters are very clear that the federal government should invest equally in both areas — 74% compared to only 19% who believe urban areas should get priority.
The Stockpile Needs an Upgrade
Only 14% are very confident that the Strategic National Stockpile is adequately stocked and maintained. Most responses lie in the middle, most likely reflecting a broad lack of knowledge about its condition. However, regardless of what they know, a nearly unanimous 88% of voters support upgrading the SNS (45% strongly).
Strong Support for More Investment
There is nearly universal support (86%) for increased federal investment in biological threat preparedness (41% strongly support). And a 52% majority believe it should be either a top or high priority, receiving significantly more (8%) or somewhat more (44%) funding than it currently receives.
Methodology
This study was conducted from March 18 to March 23, 2026, among a national sample of 800 registered voters. Respondents were sourced via a verified national general population online panel and were formally screened to confirm their current voter registration status. The study employed a stratified sampling design based on Census region, age, gender, and race. To ensure the findings accurately reflect the national electorate, the data was weighted to match the known demographic profile of registered voters nationwide, including adjustment for reported 2024 presidential vote to ensure political representativeness. The estimated margin of error for the full panel is +/- 3.46 percentage points at the 95% confidence level.
The Importance of the Strategic National Stockpile at HHS
The Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) at HHS houses the Center for the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS). ASPR characterizes the Strategic National Stockpile as a key element of the national system for medical response that can provide extra countermeasures to states, tribal nations, territories, and major cities during public health crises. The medicines, supplies, and medical devices in the stockpile act as temporary backup when needed materials are unavailable or in short supply. ASPR also notes that the SNS staff work continuously to be prepared to act in an emergency, assist with state and local readiness efforts, and maintain access to vital medical resources needed to safeguard Americans’ health.
A Weak Stockpile
The evidence shows the U.S. isn’t prepared for a CBRN disaster or attack. The Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) doesn’t have enough funding, and the U.S. isn’t ready for a massive operation to distribute countermeasure,” per a 2024 report. Communities across the country don’t face requirements to stock up in case of CBRN emergency. These vulnerabilities could critically undermine our level of preparedness in an emergency. A 2023 report found that the relatively slow development and acquisition process for some medical countermeasures prevents the SNS from being a nimble, ready operation.
How We Ensure Preparedness
Fortunately, the right tools are available to defend Americans against the harms of CBRN threats and secure a stockpile for nuclear emergency. We must reauthorize the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA) and ensure robust funding for the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), and the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS). These measures will help ensure the entire country is ready when CBRN disaster or terror strikes.
