REMARKS
Council Member Cabán discusses Resolution 650-2024 on federal public health advocacy
0:10:07
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67 sec
Council Member Tiffany Cabán addresses Resolution 650-2024, which urges the federal government to continue science-based public health advocacy. She expresses concern over the appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services and the potential impacts on public health services.
- Highlights the critical role of federal agencies like CDC and FDA in combating the COVID-19 pandemic
- Warns about job cuts at HHS and their potential effects on FDA and CDC services
- Emphasizes the importance of protecting public health in light of recent political changes
Tiffany Cabán
0:10:07
Thank you, chairs.
0:10:08
I am here to speak about resolution six fifty of 2024.
0:10:14
The Department of Health and Human Services oversees key federal health agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Food and Drug Administration.
0:10:22
The federal government, particularly the FDA and the CDC, played a critical role in combating the COVID nineteen pandemic, leading vaccination efforts, including the high vaccination rates right here in New York City.
0:10:33
The Trump administration has threatened all modern advances in public health by appointing the vaccine and science skeptic, Robert f Kennedy junior, as secretary of health and human services.
0:10:42
Kennedy has promised that, quote, nothing is going to be off limits in his administration.
0:10:47
Last Friday, the Trump administration told thousands of employees across HHS that they'd be losing their jobs.
0:10:53
That includes potentially all probationary employees.
0:10:56
These cuts will have particularly devastating effects on the basic protections and services offered by FDA and CDC.
0:11:03
In light of these political realities, the resolution urges the federal government to continue its science based public health advocacy recognizing the importance of protecting public health.
0:11:12
Thank you.