CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is set to undergo a significant workforce reduction, cutting 10,000 jobs as part of a major restructuring effort. This move will bring the department’s total employment down from 82,000 to 72,000 in an effort to streamline operations.
Government Restructuring for Efficiency
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito shared insights from her conversation with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who explained the rationale behind the decision. According to Kennedy, a comprehensive review of HHS operations found overlapping roles across multiple divisions, prompting the need for consolidation.
Under the new plan:
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The 28 divisions within HHS will be merged into 15
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The 10 regional offices will be reduced to five
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Departments handling Human Resources, IT, Procurement, External Affairs, and Policy will be centralized
Capito supports the changes, saying they align with efforts to make the government more effective and eliminate unnecessary spending.
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Major Agencies Impacted
Several key agencies under HHS will experience significant staff reductions, including:
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FDA: 3,500 job cuts
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CDC: 2,400 job cuts
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NIH: 1,200 job cuts
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CMS: 300 job cuts
Despite these reductions, Kennedy assured Capito that service quality will not be affected, as agencies will be reorganized to maintain operational efficiency.
Proposed Changes to SNAP Benefits
Kennedy will be in Martinsburg on Friday alongside Governor Patrick Morrisey to discuss potential revisions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). One of the key proposals includes restricting SNAP purchases of unhealthy food items, such as sugary sodas and candy.
Capito voiced her support for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of promoting healthier choices for SNAP recipients.
“We know excessive sugar consumption contributes to obesity and other health problems. Ensuring SNAP benefits are used for nutritious foods is a step in the right direction,” Capito stated.
Kennedy and Morrisey are expected to formally announce the proposal during a 10 a.m. press conference at St. Joseph School.