Dr. Frink’s relative accepting a nobel peace prize for stupid

BREAKING NEWS

» NPHC/FBF releases CDC Chaos Visual: The data team has created a new visualization describing the chaos at CDC over the past year. See the full visual at the CDC Data Project website.

» Senate and House appropriations committees have proposed budgets for 2026. Guess what? They’re a little different than the president’s budget. See analysis from the CDC Data Project: 2026 Budget Recommendations.

» Where is AHA? RFK Jr.'s Administration for a Healthy America doesn't exist yet | NPR

» SUCCESS: Snuggles for Science, Valentine’s Edition. The adorable teddy “❤️ You’re Statistically Significant to Me” is on its way, thanks to those who ordered.

» NEW: NPHC Valentine’s Day candy hearts, including phrases like “DEI is vital,” “spread love not germs,” and “vaccines cause adults.”

various Fired But Fighting merchandise, including new products like NPHC Valentine’s Day candy hearts

Welcome to the 45th 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 a finance person.

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

LEGAL UPDATES

» We have some very encouraging developments out of the MSPB for the April 1 RIF appeals. Appellants are being consolidated by sub-agency (e.g., one consolidated bloc for ASPE, one for ASPR, one for SAMHSA, etc.). Overall, the administrative judge seemed very aware of the circumstances around the RIF. Everything so far indicates that this process will focus on all the elements required for a proper RIF, and the timeline also appears to be moving relatively efficiently. This week's legal update includes more details on MSPB appeal progress, as well as updates on Congressional appropriations and federal lawsuits challenging the various RIFs, and information on filing a complaint for denial of reasonable accommodation.

Read the full legal update here.

CALLS TO ACTION

» Make sure you’re prepared for the incoming winter storm with these helpful tips and checklists from Ready.gov.

» Learn how to fight back against ICE with these upcoming resources:

January 22 & January 28: ICE Watch and Community Defense trainings hosted by States at the Core. Sign up here.
January 28: Immigrant Detention 101 and Introduction to Detention webinars hosted by Detention Watch Network. Sign up here.

» OPM's proposed rule targeting probationary employees is open for comment until the end of January. The regulations that formerly governed probie MSPB appeal rights (5 CFR 315, Subpart H) have been repealed by EO number whatever-the-f*ck, "Strengthening Probationary Periods in the Federal Service." The purpose of the proposed rule is to give OPM, rather than the MSPB, the authority to decide challenges by probationary employees to terminations. Please consider submitting a comment. You can raise substantive issues, ask questions for consideration, or even request an extension of the comment period. They will have to respond and that will slow this thing down. You can find guidance on submitting comments on proposed regs here.

» Post-holiday needs? The FBF Talent Marketplace has lots of listings from people with talents like photography, baking, jewelry design, and more. Please consider supporting a fired fed.

» 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 a finance person.

EVENTS

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

» In the works: (Un) Happy Hour / Rage Room event in mid-February. Stay tuned.

CAREER CORNER

» Check out this week’s Career Corner for upcoming events and resources. There are a number of events in the next week, including a virtual job fair Thursday, January 22 and a DC-based career retreat hosted by our wellfed partners.

» Join the Opportunities for Former HHS Staff Group and follow Fired But Fighting on LinkedIn for more.

WEEKLY 27 uNIHted

» 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

» On February 1st, AFGE L2883 dues will increase from $15 to $22.46 biweekly for current employees, and from $50 to $75 annually for retired employees. We are working to maintain the $15/biweekly rate for recently separated employees. Stay tuned!

» Only a small portion of your dues (<25%!) goes to L2883 (the rest goes to AFGE national), but your dues are essential to ensure our local is able to continue operating and assisting its members, including with legal representation.

» Elections are coming! L2883 will be holding officer elections soon, please be on the look out for a call for nominations. This will come via snail mail, so please ensure your address on file with AFGE is correct!

» 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

» We did it! Thanks to your incredible generosity, we've surpassed 1,000 donations and reached 1,100! This milestone wouldn't have been possible without each and every one of you. Your support has made a real difference in our community. We're deeply grateful for your continued belief in our mission and for standing with us. Visit www.cdcresourceportal.org/donate to see our progress and donate.

» Check out our resource library for CDC workers at www.cdcresourceportal.org/resources

» Support the CDC Mutual Aid Assistance Fund AND find cool merch at cdc-mutual-aid-network.printful.me

THE WEEKLY NEEDLE

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

“It’s Super Good with Helping Women and Stuff” - Dr. Oz Appears at Press Conference in Robotic Exoskeleton to Perform Ultrasounds. - Director Dr. Mehmet Oz appeared at a press conference in a mechanized exoskeleton he claims will not only help cover the health needs of America’s rural women, but also serve to crush all opponents who “threaten the glorious MAGA agenda”.

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

SPOON OF THE WEEK

Room of spoons with arms and legs busy making art

» The FBF merch team is the Spoon of the Week. This small but mighty team of creatives has been churning out new merchandise to support our shopping habits and raise money for public health advocacy.

» To submit a spoon for a future newsletter, email info@firedbutfighting.org.

SELF CARE

» Every Monday morning at 8 am ET, Yoga with Torie offers a 15-minute yoga class and a pilates class. Classes are free and donation-based. Sign up on Torie’s website.

» It’s always a good idea to protect yourself online: check out this Digital Security Checklist with plain language tips for Federal Workers.

» This PBS News short gives some insight into The Surprising Way to Fight Political Exhaustion.

» Need a pick-me up? Follow Lennie 💖