Federal judge rules HHS acted unlawfully in terminating $11 billion public health grants

A federal judge's ruling reinstates nearly $11 billion in public health funding, crucial for COVID-19 initiatives and mental health efforts. This decision highlights the legal challenges against the Trump administration's abrupt funding cuts.

Sources:
The HillWzzm13Turnto10
Updated 53m ago
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Sources: The HillWzzm13Turnto10
A federal judge has ruled that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) acted unlawfully in terminating $11 billion in public health grants. The ruling, issued by U.S. District Judge Mary McElroy, blocks the cuts that were set to impact state and local health departments across the nation.

The lawsuit, filed by a coalition of attorneys general from 24 states, argued that HHS's abrupt decision lacked proper analysis of its consequences. States claimed the funding cuts would have devastating effects on public health infrastructure, including infectious disease research and mental health treatment.

Judge McElroy emphasized that HHS does not have the authority to unilaterally decide that the funds are no longer necessary, stating that the agency ignored multiple requirements governing the termination of block grant programs. “The federal government's argument for how it handled the situation is puzzling,” she wrote.

The grants, originally allocated by Congress during the pandemic, are vital for COVID-19 testing, vaccines, and hiring community health workers. “If we don't have our health, we don't have anything,” said Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha, highlighting the importance of the funding for public health initiatives.

The ruling requires HHS to release $379.3 million specifically to Michigan, as part of the broader injunction against the funding cuts.
Sources: The HillWzzm13
A federal judge has ruled that the Department of Health and Human Services unlawfully terminated $11 billion in public health grants, which are crucial for COVID-19 initiatives and mental health efforts. The ruling mandates the release of funds to state and local health departments nationwide.
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The Headline

Judge McElroy's ruling on HHS funding cuts

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services doesn't have the power to decide that money isn't necessary anymore.
U.S. District Judge Mary McElroy
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"If we don't have our health, we don't have anything, and that's why today's preliminary injunction is such a critical win."
Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha
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Key Facts
  • U.S. District Judge Mary McElroy ordered HHS to release nearly $11 billion in public health grants that were unlawfully terminated.Wzzm13
  • HHS acted unlawfully by ignoring requirements for terminating grant programs, according to Judge McElroy.Turnto10
  • States argued that the abrupt ending of grant funding lacked analysis of its benefits or consequences.The Hill
  • Funding cuts would have devastating consequences for local jurisdictions, impacting health initiatives.The Hill
  • Michigan is set to receive $379.3 million as part of the injunction secured by the coalition of states.Wzzm13
  • Coalition of attorneys general from 24 states filed the lawsuit in federal court in Rhode Island.Wzzm13
Key Stats at a Glance
Total public health grants blocked by HHS
$11 billion
The Hill
Amount of funding to be released to Michigan
$379.3 million
Wzzm13
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Background Context

Background on the lawsuit and funding cuts

Key Facts
  • Public health funding of $11.4 billion was primarily used for COVID-19 testing, vaccines, and hiring community health workers.The Hill
  • Trump administration cuts were challenged by a coalition of Democrat-led states.Turnto10
  • Public health infrastructure across the country was at risk due to the proposed funding cuts.Turnto10
Key Stats at a Glance
Total public health funding for COVID-19 initiatives
$11.4 billion
The Hill
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