WASHINGTON, DC –  Today, Congressman Jerrold Nadler (NY-12) and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) led New York’s entire Democratic Congressional delegation in writing to Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy requesting a meeting to discuss the unprecedented attacks on New York State’s health funding. 

“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,” the lawmakers wrote. “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.” 

A total of 19 lawmakers signed the letter. In addition to Rep. Ocasio-Cortez and Rep. Nadler, the following members joined in signing: Representatives Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08), 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), Gregory Meeks (NY-05), 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). 

The letter details 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 congressional 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 full letter is available here.