A group of Democratic-led states filed a lawsuit on Tuesday to challenge the Trump administration’s decision to cut $11 billion in federal health grants. These grants were given to the states during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The lawsuit was filed by attorneys general and governors from 23 states, along with the District of Columbia, in federal court in Rhode Island. The states argue that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) does not have the authority to take back funds that were already allocated to support health programs.
The grants were used for a variety of health programs, including tracking and preventing diseases like measles and bird flu, as well as supporting mental health services and addiction treatment.
Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha criticized the funding cuts, stating, “By eliminating billions in critical funding for essential public health initiatives, the administration is effectively telling the American people to fend for themselves.”
The Department of Health and Human Services has not yet responded to requests for comment.
These funding cuts are part of broader reductions being led by new HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Last week, the department announced it would cancel grants primarily used for COVID-19 testing, vaccination, and other pandemic-related responses. HHS stated that, with the COVID-19 pandemic over, it would no longer spend taxpayer dollars on efforts for a situation that “Americans moved on from years ago.”
The cuts affect funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for pandemic preparedness, overdose prevention, and community health programs, as well as funds from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration for addiction treatment and suicide prevention.
New York Attorney General Letitia James expressed concern, saying, “Slashing this funding now will reverse our progress on the opioid crisis, throw our mental health systems into chaos, and leave hospitals struggling to care for patients.”
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