Judge halts RFK Jr.'s health agency restructuring

A federal judge in Rhode Island blocked HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s plan to reorganize federal health agencies. This order came after a lawsuit filed by 19 Democratic-led states against the proposed restructuring. The judge, a Biden appointee, ruled that Kennedy lacked the authority to make such significant changes to agencies created by Congress. The states claimed the reorganization hindered essential functions, like food safety and disease prevention. Kennedy's plan involved merging 28 HHS divisions into 15, aiming for streamlining and cost reduction. This plan also included potential layoffs of thousands of employees, some of whom have since been reinstated. Fired employees are pursuing a separate lawsuit challenging their terminations. HHS argues the reorganization was intended to improve efficiency and refocus the agency. The agency strongly disagrees with the court's decision and is assessing its next steps.