Rep. Gregory W. Meeks Joins New York Congressional Delegation in Request to Meet HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy on Cuts to NY State Health Funding

WASHINGTON, D.C. -Today, U.S. Rep. Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05) joined all 19 Democratic Members from New York in sending a letter, led by Reps. Jerrold Nadler (NY-12) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy requesting a meeting to discuss the unprecedented attacks on New York State's health funding.

"This funding cut will have a detrimental impact on New Yorkers who have dedicated years of their lives to public service and helping their communities," Rep. Meeks said. "I receive daily calls from my constituents who are furious about the job losses the Trump administration has created. HHS was designed to protect the well-being of Americans, not strip away vital services that allow for safe and effective health care."

The Members wrote in the letter:

"We write regarding the Trump administration's recent attempt to rescind more than $11 billion in congressionally authorized funding from state and local health departments across the country. Under these cuts, New York state health departments will lose an estimated $400 million in critical health funding, with $100 million of that being pulled from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene alone. As a result of these actions, the New York State Department of Health has laid off more than 200 public health workers, including 50 full time staff and 168 public health fellows…Every single one of our constituents will be impacted by these actions."

The letter explains that at least 200 community-based organizations that provide mental health, maternal health, and other life-saving services have had their funding jeopardized, and that rescinding congressionally mandated funding is illegal and has already been blocked by a federal judge. The lawmakers conclude by requesting a meeting with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy and his staff no later than April 22, 2025.

The letter was signed by the entire Democratic New York delegation totaling 19 lawmakers. This includes: Representatives Gregory Meeks (NY-05), Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Laura Gillen (NY-04), Daniel Goldman (NY-10), Timothy Kennedy (NY-26), George Latimer (NY-16), John Mannion (NY-22), Grace Meng (NY-06), Joseph Morelle (NY-25), Josh Riley (NY-19), Patrick Ryan (NY-18), Tom Suozzi (NY-03), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), and Nydia Velázquez (NY-07).

Read the full letter, here.

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