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Senator Questions Trump Administration’s Job Cuts at NIOSH

On Tuesday, a Republican senator voiced concerns regarding some of the recent staff reductions and office closures initiated by the Trump administration, emphasizing the potential negative impacts on crucial health programs.

In a letter directed to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) expressed her opposition to the elimination of certain programs intended to support the health of coal miners. She highlighted the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) as a key agency in this effort, advocating for its continued funding and staffing.

“While I support the President’s aim to streamline government operations, I do not believe that dismantling the NIOSH coal programs will help achieve that objective,” Capito stated. She raised alarm over the impact of the recent workforce reductions at NIOSH, which she feels could jeopardize essential health services that benefit numerous residents in West Virginia.

Capito insisted on the need to reinstate the displaced NIOSH employees swiftly, urging that their expertise is vital for the ongoing support of the coal industry in the nation.

The mass layoffs executed earlier this month by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) resulted in a staggering loss of approximately 10,000 jobs across the agency, including 873 positions at NIOSH, according to reports from CBS News. This decision has been met with significant criticism, particularly from unions representing miners who have previously voiced concerns about the health risks faced by workers in the coal mining sector, including serious respiratory issues.

At this point, it remains uncertain whether the administration will reconsider these cuts, despite pushback from within the Republican Party. A representative from HHS has yet to provide a response to inquiries regarding the potential reinstatement of NIOSH staff.

Source
thehill.com