23 States Sue Trump Administration Over $11 Billion HHS Funding Cuts

A coalition of 23 states, including Illinois, California, and New York, has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in response to the termination of approximately $11 billion in public health grants. The lawsuit claims these cuts, justified by HHS as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic being over, are illegal as Congress did not limit the funds to pandemic-related use. State attorneys general argue that the loss of funding jeopardizes vital public health services, including vaccination programs, mental health services, and infectious disease tracking. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul expressed that the abrupt funding cuts are both callous and unlawful, significantly impacting state health agencies. The coalition seeks to prevent HHS from rescinding these funds, citing the potential for increased public health risks and job losses. The HHS has begun notifying employees about layoffs as part of its funding reduction strategy, stating the decisions were made due to the pandemic's conclusion.