House Democrats Demand Meeting with RFK Jr. over Health Department Cuts, Layoffs

New York's Democratic Congressional delegation has urged Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for a meeting regarding proposed cuts to health funding that could impact the state by around $400 million. This request follows a federal judge's temporary block on the Trump Administration's plan to cut over $11 billion in funding, which is deemed essential for public health initiatives. Concurrently, House Democrats are also raising alarms about potential health care worker shortages due to Trump's immigration policies, which could exacerbate existing workforce gaps in direct care services. Additionally, concerns are mounting over Kennedy's recent staff cuts amid outbreaks of diseases like measles and bird flu, prompting calls for transparency and accountability from HHS. Lawmakers have criticized the restructuring of HHS that has led to significant layoffs and regional office closures, arguing it could jeopardize public health across multiple states. The ongoing tensions highlight a growing discontent among Democrats regarding the current administration's health policies and their implications for public safety.