BREAKING NEWS

» Robert Malone is a whiny baby: Key Adviser Quits Federal Vaccine Panel | New York Times

» 404 - CDC Director (still) Not Found: White House holds off on CDC pick as search for permanent chief continues | The Washington Post

» He’s One of Us? Oh… Nevermind: NIH and Acting CDC Director Jay Bhattacharya to speak at CPAC USA 2026

» There are real consequences to these illegal directives: As HHS limits telework, disabled veterans say they’re running out of options for accommodations | Federal News Network

» If only: RFK Jr. Is Losing His Grip on the CDC | The Atlantic

» We knew this would happen: Many ACA Customers are Paying Higher Premiums. Most Blame Trump and Republicans, Poll Finds. | KFF Health News

Welcome to the 54th 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 (www.firedbutfighting.org/shop), or signing up to volunteer. You can also check out the FBF Talent Marketplace to support a fired fed.

New Fired But Fighting merch — *Fresh new Fired But Fighting merch*

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

LEGAL UPDATES

» The FBF Legal Team has confirmed that RIFed and separated HHS employees have been getting interviews and offers for federal positions at CMS, FDA, and NIH through priority conferred from the Reemployment Priority List (RPL). Some of these positions have been sent directly to individuals’ personal email addresses, while others have been posted on USAJobs. We provide more detailed information on how to apply to positions via the RPL, along with what to do if you have been denied priority, in the legal update. If you have any information about how the RPL is being implemented at your agency, please reach out to us at legal@firedbutfighting.org so we can help RIFed employees get back to work.

» This week's update also includes information on the status of HHS MSPB RIF appeals, the newly certified HHS probationary class MSPB appeal, and updates on federal lawsuits challenging last year's RIFs.

» Read the full legal update here.

CALLS TO ACTION

» Urge Congress to demand the immediate release of approved PEPFAR funding and preserve lifesaving global HIV programs. More information at 5 Calls and Action Network.

» The CDC Listening Project conducts confidential interviews with recently separated staff to document their professional paths, the public health significance of their work at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the real and potential impacts of its disruption. Read CDC stories or participate in the project by visiting cdcstories.com.

» Comment needed on these planned regulations that impact the federal workforce:

OPM proposes a plan to remove a current ban on a “forced distribution” of federal employee performance evaluations. If finalized, this rule will limit the number of employees who can be ranked as high performers in annual reviews. Read more and comment by tomorrow, March 26.
OPM wants agencies to prioritize employees’ performance over tenure during RIFs. In combination with other recent efforts to change federal processes, this proposed rule could contribute to the arbitrary firings of more federal staff. Read more and comment by May 4.

» Sign up for a campaign finance and management training. Campaigns across GA urgently need trained staff. Sign up.

» Attend a conversation with headhunter, Kathy Bremer, a former CDC communications consultant. She's placed people at CARE, the Carter Center, CDC Foundation, and other nonprofits. Open to all former and current federal employees. Register.

» Volunteer with Fired But Fighting: Looking for ways to channel your rage? Sign up to volunteer.

EVENTS

**No Kings Sign-Making**

» **March 28**: Meet at Blue Donkey Coffee in Grant Park at 8:30 am to make signs. At 9:30, walk together to the protest site at Memorial Drive Greenway. Supplies will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own.

**Pet Therapy**

**» April 1:** L2883 and Happy Tails Pet Therapy are bringing you nine adorable therapy dogs. This event will be held at The Hatchery, located at Emory Point across from Roybal campus. Stop by any time from 12 pm to 2 pm. Current and former CDC employees are both welcome to attend. As this is a non-CDC event, current CDC employees are strongly encouraged to use their lunch break or take leave.

**RIF Resilience Power Hour**

**» April 1**: 5:00-8:00 pm: RIF Resilience Power Hour at Sceptre Brewing Arts with bingo, open mic, camaraderie, and more.

UNION CORNER

» Donations to help local TSA employees coming up on another missed paycheck: AFGE local 554 represents Atlanta TSA employees, and AFGE 2883 is donating directly through their president. He can rightfully distribute gift cards, since they are subject to the same legal gift rules we follow. As suggested by their local, we will purchase $25 gift cards to be distributed in person to support as many of the 1200 people as possible. If you would like to contribute through 2883, you can make a donation via Zelle or PayPal to treasurer@afge2883ga.org and note it is a "TSA gift.”

» Please fill out our CDC RA and EEO Process Survey to update the L2883 team on the status of your RA and EEO complaints.

» If you have RA-specific questions or would like to help us support your colleagues in the disabilities community, please 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

» Beltline Scavenger Hunt - Saturday, April 11 at 2 pm: Calling all disease detectives: Join CDC Mutual Aid on Saturday, April 11 at 2 pm for a Beltline Scavenger Hunt featuring team challenges, photo clues, and public health trivia. We will meet at New Realm Brewery, where participants will receive instructions leading their team on a 2-mile loop to Lingering Shade and back. Keep your eyes peeled and your cameras ready to spot Beltline art and pathogenic surprises! Reserve your spot today: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beltline-scavenger-tickets-1985773596282 .

» Check out our store: Remember that every purchase directly supports our mission and helps us continue making a difference. https://cdc-mutual-aid-network.printful.me

» Follow CDC Mutual Aid Network on Social Media:

WEEKLY 27 UNIHTED

» Every Saturday: Vigil commemorating the lives and knowledge lost through NIH cuts. At 10:00 am on March 28th, 27 UNIHTED and NIH Vigils will host a NO SHADOW KINGS rally to defend medical research from Russell Vought, the "Shadow King" on March 28th. We will also have a food drive - bring as much as you can.

» **Fed Workers Coffee Hour**

Every Thursday of each month through October 2026. Download the flyer.

» Please follow and share 27 uNIHted’s Instagram account.

THE WEEKLY NEEDLE

» The Weekly Needle is America’s most trusted news source for all things health and medicine. Trust us, because we don’t trust ourselves. Enjoy our top story from last week:

» CDMR Abigail Resigns from HHS Over “Weak” Measles Outbreak Response, Not Receiving Enough Pats: In a major rebuke to HHS Secretary RFK Jr, Lieutenant Commander (CDMR) Abigail has resigned from her post as the Commissioned Corp’s mascot, over Secretary Kennedy’s “lack of any clear understanding of science, public policy, or especially concerning, the implementation of pats, scratches, and the deployment of ‘good doggie’”

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

SPOON OF THE WEEK

what are you doing to rebuild trust in all of you? questions asked during CDC's all hands meeting

» This week’s Spoon goes to the hard questions asked live in person during today’s CDC all-hands meeting. Let’s keep holding their feet to the fire 💪

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

SELF CARE

» Now that it’s spring, enjoy these outdoor festivals happening soon in the Atlanta and Washington, DC areas.

» Happiness Break: A Meditation For When You Have Too Much To Do | Greater Good Magazine

» OK, fellow public health nerds, it’s never too early to start planning for some of our favorite local ATL cons, including Momocon, Southern Fried Gaming Expo (run by 3 Spoons), and Dragon Con.

» Order these free stickers from MoveOn with themes like “ICE Out” and “Fund Healthcare, not Warfare”.