Issue 20

Jul 31

Click to view in PDF format with images

Welcome to the 20th issue of Fired But Fighting, a newsletter for illegally terminated, improperly RIF’d, chaotically reinstated, and current HHS staff. Read on for judicial and advocacy updates, links to media coverage, calls to action, tips, and resources.

Visit www.firedbutfighting.org/newsletter-library to read this and previous issues of the newsletter on the web.

BREAKING NEWS

Cuts REMOVED from FY26 budget (for now): In a bipartisan bill, the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee has maintained NIH and CDC budgets. The bill now moves to the Senate floor for a vote. Call as many senators as you can and reiterate how important it is for CDC to be fully funded.

» CDC has a director: Susan Monarez has been confirmed as the new director of CDC. CDC has been without a director for six months. Read the statement from SHEA>>

» Introducing CDC Saves Lives Lanyards: You asked and we answered. Green lanyards are now available. Outside print: “CDC Saves Lives.” Inside print: “Resist and Persist.” In addition to helping us fight the good fight, 10% of funds raised go to CDC Mutual Aid.

LEGAL UPDATES

» If you are an HHS employee who was separated on July 14, the deadline to file an MSPB appeal is August 13. If you have not retained a lawyer and want to file on your own, this week's legal update has resources to help. You can also learn about the status lawsuits challenging the RIFs and probationary terminations, congressional appropriations, and read updates and reminders.

Read the Legal Update

CALLS TO ACTION

» Support Atlanta’s immigrant and refugee communities by taking one of the specific actions on this list, compiled by the 285 South newsletter team.

» Urgent Care is a new Substack on the attacks on public health. CDC colleagues are encouraged to contribute. Learn more: https://jackiewolf1.substack.com/about.

» HHS has barred non-citizens who are not qualified aliens from more programs, including Head Start and some mental health services. This limits care for undocumented immigrants. Comment by August 13.

» Stop Bad Bills: Call or write to your elected representatives about the proposed rescissions and budget. Anyone can use these scripts, and the volume matters, so share widely.

» Volunteer with Fired But Fighting. Looking to stay sharp and productive while job hunting? Sign up to volunteer.

» Share Your Story! We’re looking for #FedWorkerFriday contributors for Bluesky and Instagram. Public or anonymous. DM Aryn on Signal (@aryn.22) if you’re interested.

EVENTS

» Saturday, August 2, 2025 - FBF is proud to be a sponsor of 50501’s Rage Against the Regime. We will march from The King Center to the ICE Atlanta Field Office at 10:30 am. Meet up before the march at Chrome Yellow coffee shop at 9:30 am.

» Friday, August 8, 2025 - Virtual Coffee Hour. Join fellow former feds for a relaxed hour of connection, job tips, and solidarity. Details to come.

» Sunday, August 3, 2025 - (Un) Happy Hour at Round Trip Brewing from 2-5 pm in Atlanta. The first 10 attendees will receive a green “CDC Saves Lives” badge lanyard. Details here.

» Saturday, August 16, 2025 - Sound Science Saves Lives - Rally coinciding with the ISES-ISEE 2025 conference. More details forthcoming.

CAREER RESOURCES

Looking for your next step? This week’s career update includes events like wellfed’s job search coworking hour, webinars on resume strategies and green career transitions, plus on-demand resources like Coursera, recruiter Q&As, and a federal career playbook. Explore job boards like FormerGov, Virginia Has Jobs, and the FBF LinkedIn group to find mission-driven roles that match your skills.

Read the career update

WEEKLY 27 uNIHted

» Coming soon: A new 27 uNIHted website.

» A 1% budget increase! Instead of cutting funding, the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee submitted a bill that instead gives NIH a raise of $400 million. The bill moves to the Senate floor for a vote.

» Saturday, August 2, 2025: Rage Against the Regime vigil. Free live show. Medical Center Metro Station. Black attire encouraged. Details>>

» Please follow and share 27 uNIHted’s new Instagram account>>

UNION CORNER

» AFGE Member Benefits Spotlight: AFGE members who are AT&T customers are eligible to get the Union Plus 15% discount. Explore the extensive list of discounts and programs in the AFGE Member Benefits Guide.

» Please take a few minutes to complete the 2025 AFGE Member Satisfaction Survey. Your input will guide us in responding effectively to current issues and shaping the future of our union.

CDC MUTUAL AID

» Thanks to your support, we’ve raised 16% of our $75K goal, and distributed nearly $15K in aid to terminated contractors, probationary employees, and fellows. Help us keep the momentum going: Donate or share our message at www.cdcresourceportal.org/donate.

» Learn more about the CDC Mutual Aid Network, including how to help or what resources may be available to you, at www.cdcresourceportal.org.

FIRED & THRIVING

Shira Berman was part of the probationary firings from CDC in February. She had been in the Global Health Center for nearly five years, working on the strategy and partnerships team in the policy office. Since losing her job, Shira has been taking up all sorts of baking projects–but decorative cookie cakes were the ones to stick. Thus, Kirkwood Cookie Cakes was born! A Kirkwood Cookie Cake is a delicious chocolate chip cookie cake topped with artistic swirls of decadent vanilla buttercream frosting. Creating them brings Shira immense joy, and she hopes she can help you celebrate your next occasion with a beautiful sweet treat from her shop.

Instagram: @kirkwoodcookiecakes
Order Form: kirkwoodcookiecakes.com

Please send more Fired and Thriving stories to info@firedbutfighting.org.

QUICK TIP

» If you were affected by the Supreme Court’s RIF decision on July 8, this resource guide by Civil Service Strong provides helpful information on next steps.

SELF CARE

» A “heat dome” is affecting a lot of us. Here are some Heat Dome Survival Tips to help you keep your (and your pet’s!) cool. | Nonprofit Risk Management Center

» Are you feeling demoralized or demotivated? Check out this substack for a slew of good self-care tips: When Trump Attacks Your Work: 75 Grounding Moves to Stay Effective and Human

» Monday, August 4, 2025 - Join WellFed via Zoom for the weekly Monday Meditation from 1-1:30 pm. Hosted weekly by Drew Tye Ruby-Howe (former fed).

What has helped you in these times? Please send more self-care ideas to info@firedbutfighting.org.