Ox pulling a wagon in the style of the game, Oregon Trail, that says “You have listened to RFK JR.”

BREAKING NEWS

» CDC advisers vote to overturn decades-long policy on hepatitis B vaccine for infants | NPR

» Fact-checking the CDC panel’s reasons for dropping universal newborn hepatitis B vaccine recommendation | PBS News

» Lawyers say new CDC policy may violate federal disability law | Roll Call

» Shameless plug: We’re introducing holiday cards. Tell your family and friends about NPHC with the new “Healthy Holidays” greeting cards. USPS, local pickup, and on-campus inventory available starting 12/10.

Welcome to the 39th 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.

Please consider supporting us by making a donation, grabbing some FBF merch or signing up to volunteer. We’re especially looking for a volunteer coordinator and newsletter writer/editors.

various Fired But Fighting merchandise, including new products greeting cards and stress balls

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

LEGAL UPDATE

» Things are moving in the MSPB. Many HHS employees who filed MSPB appeals to challenge their terminations from the April 1 RIF have begun receiving consolidation orders, indicating that the MSPB has begun issuing consolidation orders that group appellants by sub-agency (OPDIV). Additionally, two more probationary employee classes (HUD and OPM) were certified last week. This week's legal update has details on these developments, as well as a primer on the reasonable accommodation process (and how to fight back if your request has been ignored or denied) and updates on the ongoing lawsuits challenging RIFs across the federal government.

READ THE LEGAL UPDATE

CALLS TO ACTION

» Protect Research Funding Integrity: The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) is requesting input from the scientific community on how to sustain U.S. leadership in science and technology. This is an opportunity to share your experiences with how bureaucratic delays and administrative maneuvering have affected critical research funding. Help make the real-world consequences impossible to ignore. The deadline to submit comments is Tuesday, December 26. Comment guidance.

» Public health degrees have been excluded from the Department of Education’s newly proposed definition of “professional degrees”. Take action by contacting your representatives.

» Thinking about holiday gifts? The FBF Talent Marketplace has lots of listings from people with talents like photography, baking, jewelry design, and even ornament-making. Please consider supporting a fired fed while doing your holiday shopping.

» Volunteer with Fired But Fighting: Looking for ways to channel your rage? Sign up to volunteer. We’re especially looking for a volunteer coordinator and newsletter writer/editors.

EVENTS

» Don’t forget to keep an eye on FBF’s events page for updates between newsletters.

(Un) Happy Hour Po’ Boy Shop Basement and Bar, December 11, 2025, 6:00 to 8:30 — TOMORROW: After Work (Un) Happy Hour. Thursday at the Po’ Boy Shop’s basement bar at 6:00 pm.

(un) happy hour and improv show — January 18: (Un) Happy Hour and **free improv show** hosted by Dad’s Garage at 6:00 pm. Grab your ticket today. Pop Up Special Event - CDC Fired but Fighting Event

CAREER CORNER

» FedsForward Article: From Caution to Cadence: Finding Your Footing in the Private Sector. The Partnership for Public Service has a catalog of courses to take advantage of. This includes the Managing Change in the Moment course for anyone interested in leading in the public sector.

WEEKLY 27 uNIHted

Punk rock for science — Punk Rock for Science: On December 12, join 27 uNIHted and the Vigils Crew for a night of punk rock in DC at the Chaco Spirits.

If you’ve been fired, reinstated, on admin leave, don’t know your employment status, or are worried about being RIF’d, join fellow feds who *get it* for an hour of camaraderie in Northern Virginia. Download the flyer.

» Every Saturday - Vigil commemorating the lives and knowledge lost through NIH cuts. Black attire encouraged. 10 am at the Medical Center Metro.

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

UNION CORNER

» We are gathering data on staff experiences with Reasonable Accommodations (RAs). Your feedback will help us continue to support employees. Data stays secure in AFGE 2883’s Microsoft systems and is only shared with a small team of RA support volunteers, NOT shared with the agency. Take the survey here.

» If you would like support with requesting EEO counseling or would like to help us support your colleagues in the disabilities community to file EEO complaints, email us at ra@afge2883ga.org.

» If you’re not already a member, sign up here to join the fight now. As a reminder, all job series (including supervisors) are eligible to join. The only exception is commissioned corps officers. https://join.afge.org/L2883

CDC MUTUAL AID

» New Success Story: She spent over a decade serving the public, responding to outbreaks, supporting global immunization, and telling life-saving stories. When unexpected layoffs and hardship hit her family, the CDC Mutual Aid Fund became a lifeline. This is why mutual aid matters.

» Check out our Merch: Visit our online store to see new merch.

» Give us a follow. Follow our LinkedIn and BlueSky for updates, resources, success stories, and more.

THE WEEKLY NEEDLE

» The Weekly Needle is America’s most trusted news source for satirical medical news. Enjoy our top story from last week:

CDC Staff Report 9000% Increase in Stroke-like Symptoms After Watching 2nd Day of ACIP Meeting. Emory University Hospital was overwhelmed with CDC Staffers experiencing stroke-like symptoms including severe nosebleeds and the sensation of staffers’ “brains were collapsing on themselves” after watching last week’s ACIP meeting. “It was like a natural disaster but stupid” said one responder.

» Please consider becoming a subscriber by following the link here. Interested in contributing? Email us at theweeklyneedle@proton.me.

SPOON OF THE WEEK

The NPHC Data Team & the Leadership Vacuum — The NPHC CDC Data Project team and the Leadership Vacuum are the Spoon of the Week. This graphic is a visual representation of the alarming lack of qualified leadership at CDC, with 76% of center leaders having resigned or been forced out.

» To submit a spoon (e.g., spooning pets, spoon tattoos, your favorite spoon) for a future newsletter, email info@firedbutfighting.org using “spoon of the week submission” in the subject line.

FORK OF THE WEEK

FIRED AND THRIVING

Rhoda’s Place, named for RIF’d CDCer’s mother, was born from a great love for home-baked sweetness and the same belief that food can connect hearts. Every Bundt cake, every loaf, every bite is a tribute to Rhoda’s hands, her laughter, and the joy she poured into baking. “At Rhoda’s Place, we don’t just bake — we share memories, comfort, and a little piece of home.” Available to ship anywhere. Follow @Rhodasplace_eclecticeatery on Instagram. Order at https://www.rhodas-place.com

SELF CARE

» Want to support local businesses that are anti-MAGA and pro-CDC? Take a look at the alternative 2025 Holiday Shopping Guide for places to spend our dollars intentionally this holiday season. Feel free to add, edit, and share.

» These Raccoons of the Resistance are hosting a self care workshop: check out this cute comic strip to see their tips.

» Poison or snack? Winter fruit edition. | @BlackForager