Massive Layoffs at HHS: Seniors and Disabled at Risk
Recent reports have shed light on the extensive layoffs at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), affecting hundreds of employees. Photographs from PBS NewsHour depict lines of HHS workers waiting to learn their employment fate, signaling a significant upheaval within the department.
The Atlantic's coverage suggests that these layoffs are part of a broader strategy, possibly linked to political maneuvers by figures such as RFK Jr. The cuts are raising alarms about the potential impact on services critical to seniors and the disabled, particularly through programs like the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Administration for Community Living (ACL).
Further complicating the situation, NPR has highlighted concerns over the welfare of vulnerable populations, who heavily rely on HHS programs for support. As the department undergoes this transformation, the future of these essential services remains uncertain, prompting a nationwide discussion on the priorities of federal health agencies.
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How many HHS employees were fired?
The layoffs are expected to shrink HHS to 62,000 positions, lopping off nearly a quarter of its staff — 10,000 jobs through layoffs and another 10,000 workers who took early retirement and voluntary separation offers.
What federal health workers are being laid off?
The White House said last week that it planned to cut 3,500 full-time employees at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and 2,400 workers from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The administration has said it is cutting 1,200 employees from the National Institutes of Health, as well.
How many employees are in HHS?
HHS announced last week that its reduction in force would cut 10,000 full-time employees in addition to 10,000 employees who've left voluntarily, shrinking the workforce from about 82,000 full-time employees to 62,000.
How many FDA employees were fired?
HHS announced last week that it would cut 10,000 people, including around 3,500 FDA employees, or 19% of the agency.
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