CDC battered by government shutdown firings, while some are rescinded
18 hours ago
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- #government-shutdown
- White House fired CDC staff related to injury prevention, respiratory disease surveillance, and chronic disease.
- Some terminations were rescinded due to coding errors in job classifications.
- Expected cuts at HHS range between 1,100 and 1,200 employees, with CDC heavily affected.
- AFGE Local 2883 reported over 1,300 CDC employees initially received termination notices, with around 700 rescinded within 24 hours.
- Terminations are seen as politically motivated, targeting 'Democrat' programs amid the government shutdown.
- High-ranking CDC officials describe the cuts as an intentional dismantling of leadership and scientific infrastructure.
- Firings included personnel from multiple CDC offices and programs, including the Epidemic Intelligence Service.
- CDC employees express devastation over the loss of trust, continuity, and public health infrastructure.
- Previous cuts in April saw the loss of 2,400 CDC staff (18% of the agency).
- Fired officials call for Congressional intervention and highlight resistance among federal scientists.