Schumer Criticizes GOP Budget Cuts to CDC During Listeria Outbreak

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has strongly criticized the Republican proposal to cut the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) budget by over 20%, arguing that such drastic reductions would severely hinder the agency's ability to respond to a significant listeria outbreak currently affecting the nation. The GOP's plan, which aims to reduce CDC funding by approximately $1.8 billion, comes at a time when the agency is actively managing a crisis linked to contaminated deli meats, specifically Boar’s Head liverwurst products. In a statement, Schumer emphasized the urgency of maintaining adequate funding for the CDC, particularly as the outbreak has resulted in three fatalities and dozens of illnesses across 13 states. He asserted that the proposed cuts would disrupt essential food safety operations and tracking mechanisms, exacerbating the ongoing health crisis. Schumer vowed to oppose any budget reductions that would compromise the CDC's efforts to contain the outbreak, stating, “A 22% cut of the CDC will not happen with me as Majority Leader.” The listeria outbreak, which began in late May, has led to 43 reported infections, with 10 individuals hospitalized. Schumer noted that New York has been particularly hard hit, with a significant number of cases. In response to the outbreak, Boar’s Head has expanded its recall to include an additional 7 million pounds of potentially contaminated products, as the company reviews its safety protocols to prevent further incidents.