Attorney General Peter F. Neronha has joined forces with 19 other attorneys general to file a lawsuit against Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and officials from the Trump administration. The legal action, initiated in the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island, seeks to prevent what is described as the dismantling of HHS.
The coalition argues that since taking office, Secretary Kennedy and the Trump administration have made significant cuts to federal health workers, closed essential programs, and left states without necessary federal support during health crises. They contend these actions have deprived HHS of critical resources needed to serve Americans effectively.
“Since day one, this President and his Administration have attempted to illegally decimate agencies across the federal government upon which the American people rely,” said Attorney General Neronha. He emphasized concerns about public health risks, noting rising measles cases and potential future pandemics. “This attack on HHS tells you everything you need to know about the priorities of this Administration; and they don’t include the health of you or your family.”
On March 27, Secretary Kennedy announced a restructuring plan under the president’s “Department of Government Efficiency” initiative. This involved reducing HHS's agencies from 28 to 15 and cutting its workforce by 20,000 employees. On April 1, half of HHS’s regional offices were shut down.
The lawsuit highlights several consequences of these changes: miners with black lung disease losing protection due to halted surveillance programs; unreliable access to N95 masks after closing a federal mask approval lab; shuttered CDC infectious disease labs affecting measles monitoring; reduced mental health services due to SAMHSA staff cuts; diminished World Trade Center Health Program capabilities; increased risks for pregnant women following CDC maternal health team layoffs; and potential Head Start center closures.
Rhode Island has reportedly lost over $1.9 million due to these changes, affecting state health initiatives like maternal mortality studies and addiction treatments.
The attorneys general claim these actions violate numerous federal statutes and regulations while bypassing congressional authority. They urge the court to stop further firings, reverse reorganization efforts, and restore vital health services.
Previously on April 1, Attorney General Neronha participated in another lawsuit against Secretary Kennedy concerning state health funding cuts. A temporary restraining order was issued on April 4 by a federal judge reinstating some funding temporarily.
Joining Attorney General Neronha in leading this lawsuit are New York Attorney General Letitia James and Washington Attorney General Nick Brown along with their counterparts from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawai’i, Illinois, Maine, Michigan, Maryland Minnesota New Jersey New Mexico Oregon Vermont Wisconsin and D.C.