Schumer to Block CDC Budget Cuts

NEW YORK — Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced on Sunday his intention to block a proposed budget cut to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), warning that such reductions could jeopardize public health. The House bill, which has advanced through the Republican-led House Appropriations Committee, suggests a $1.8 billion cut—approximately 22% of the CDC's budget—potentially impacting critical health programs, including those addressing firearm injuries and opioid overdoses. Schumer emphasized the dangers of these cuts, particularly in light of a current listeria outbreak linked to Boar’s Head deli meats, which has resulted in at least three deaths and over 40 illnesses. He criticized the timing of the proposed budget reduction, stating, “A slash of 22% to the CDC at a time when there’s a listeria outbreak should churn all our stomachs.” The outbreak has prompted a recall of 7 million pounds of deli meats, including various products manufactured at the company’s Virginia plant. The Senate leader expressed concern that the proposed cuts would disrupt essential food safety funding and tracking operations. He warned that if the measure were to pass, it could endanger the overall food safety infrastructure of the federal government. “It’s devastating,” Schumer remarked, asserting that the Senate would not support such detrimental legislation.