Us House Democrats Press Kennedy over Health Agency Firings
Democrats in the House of Representatives demanded answers from US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on the exact number of employees fired from health agencies he oversees, citing concerns that the dismissals could undermine public health. Hundreds of workers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration, and the National Institutes of Health have been forced out as President Donald Trump overhauls government agencies. The House Democrats warned that failing to restore these positions could put Americans at greater risk from foodborne illnesses, infectious disease outbreaks, and delays in medical research.
- The scale of the firings raises questions about the government's ability to respond effectively to public health crises, particularly when critical personnel are removed from key agencies.
- Will the Biden administration be able to recover lost ground on vaccine distribution and pandemic preparedness without a stable core of experienced health professionals?