DC-area Democrats urge RFK Jr. to reinstate fired NIH, HHS staff

Washington, D.C.-area Democrats are urging Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to reinstate the staff fired from HHS and the National Institute of Health.

The initiative, led by Maryland Democrat Rep. Jamie Raskin, said there was an “illegal mass firing” of probationary staff at HHS that is “undermining the search” for treatments of some of the country’s most serious diseases.

“Without immediate action, the harmful consequences of this outrageous purse will be with us for decades to come as the fired employees are forced to find new careers outside their chosen field: medical research for public good,” the lawmakers wrote.

Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) officials have sought access to various federal agencies, including HHS and its other branches. Elon Musk, who leads DOGE, said last month that he believes Medicare payment systems are where the “big money fraud” happens.

There are major concerns that DOGE will gain access to the department’s information and make cuts to serious programs. Public health experts warn of a massive brain drain that could have dire impacts as thousands were laid off.

In their letter, lawmakers highlighted the stories of their constituents who have been fired.

“We have heard from patients and their loved ones who are heartbroken and angry that, under your leadership, the United States is deliberately giving up its role as the world’s engine of medical innovation,” they said.

The Democrats said that many of the people fired were considered the “best and brightest” young scientists working to better public health in this country.

“In short, these losses to medical research will be felt for decades to come if you do not act quickly to change course,” they concluded.

The letter was also signed by nine other D.C.-area Democrats, including Washington, D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton; Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (Md.); Virginia Reps. Gerry Connolly, Eugene Vindman, Suhas Subramanyam Don Beyer; and Maryland Reps. April McClain Delaney, Glenn Ivey and Kweisi Mfume.