The discovery of antibiotics was a revolutionary one, allowing cheap and lifesaving medicines to be delivered to diseases previously untreatable. However, overuse of these precious drugs has led to antibiotic resistant bacteria, bringing back diseases that were previously thought benign.

The majority of these antibiotics are surprisingly used on farms, to overcompensate for otherwise filthy and crowded conditions.

I am a local high-schooler at the International School in Bellevue. I believe that we as humanity, need to leave the planet better than we found it, for not just my generation, but for generations after. The danger of excessive antibiotics is a very real one, one that I and many of my peers do not believe is being taken seriously.

The PARA (Prevention of Antibiotic Resistance Act) has been taken under-consideration by Congress. Sen. Patty Murray has shown interest in supporting the bill, but requires to hear from her constituents first before she declares her support for it.

The passing of this act will ban excessive use of antibiotics in our food, something of which is essential. The people need to let her, and the rest of Congress know that the passage of this bill is an easy way to ensure that not just our current, but that future generations prosper, too.

Stephen Fleischman, Bellevue