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CDC's new director is pressed to do something about its zombie programs
Lawmakers say fully funded CDC programs remain unstaffed after layoffs, leaving offices on smoking, epilepsy and overdose prevention inactive.
- Last week, Dr. Erica Schwartz became director of The Atlanta-based CDC, inheriting numerous funded but unstaffed "zombie programs" and immediate congressional pressure to revive them.
- The Trump administration's April 2025 layoffs left these projects functionally dead, as experts were either fired or placed on indefinite leave despite ongoing congressional funding.
- Congress appropriated $246 million for the Office on Smoking and Health and $41 million for an Alzheimer initiative, yet these projects remain without staff to operate them.
- Democrats argue the freeze violates the 1974 Impoundment Control Act, but Republicans control the House and Senate, limiting appetite to challenge the administration.
- During her confirmation hearing, Sen. Tim Kaine pressed Schwartz to restart dormant activities, while an HHS spokesperson stated she remains focused on supporting the current workforce.
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37 Articles
CDC's New Director Is Pressed to Do Something About Agency's Zombie Programs
(MedPage Today) -- The CDC still has an Alzheimer's disease program. Congress appropriated $41 million to it this year. There's just no one staffing it. Then there's the agency's Office on Smoking and Health. Congress allocated $246 million for...
·New York, United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources37
Leaning Left12Leaning Right1Center23Last UpdatedBias Distribution64% Center
Bias Distribution
- 64% of the sources are Center
64% Center
L 33%
C 64%
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