Congressman Kennedy: Health & Human Services Cuts Are Dire and Will Cost Lives

Firings Include Doctors, Infectious Disease Prevention Officials, Food and Drug Safety Specialists, and More WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) released the following statement as the Department of Health and Human Services began the process of summarily firing thousands of workers: “As an occupational therapist, the husband of a physical therapist, and the son of a nurse, I am appalled at today’s shameful actions from President Trump and Secretary Kennedy. By arbitrarily firing thousands of dedicated, selfless public servants from the Department of Health and Human Services, the administration has set public health back years. From keeping our food supply safe to preventing infectious disease and improving maternal health care, these workers make a difference every single day, and their work is vital. Make no mistake, this will cost lives. “At a time when a previously-eradicated disease like measles is making a resurgence, President Trump and Secretary Kennedy have opted to condemn a generation of American children and their families to suffering and death, all to advance tax cuts for billionaires. The damage caused by these cuts will be felt for years to come, and we can only hope that a future administration is able to pick up the pieces.” ###