Issue 65
BREAKING NEWS
» Bobby who? Kennedy Shows Minimal Engagement With Vast Health Portfolio | New York Times
» Check, please. RFK Jr. Is Totally “Checked Out” as Global Health Concerns Grow | The New Republic
» Don’t distribute your paper at your own conference, y’all. Video: Police Tussle With Diabetes Experts at ADA Meeting | MedPage Today
» Surprise. Measles cases are dramatically outpacing 2025's. See latest US numbers | USA Today
» Well, someone has to. Health Insurers Are Saving Children From MAHA | Newsweek
» And another one. OB-GYN group breaks with CDC and issues own vaccine recommendations | The Independent
» Efficiency. How cuts to CDC are dismantling its capacity to protect Americans’ health | The Conversation
Welcome to the 65th 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), signing up to volunteer, or subscribing to the NationalPHC Substack. You can also check out the FBF Talent Marketplace to support a fired fed.
Visit www.firedbutfighting.org/newsletter-library to read this and previous issues of the newsletter on the web.
LEGAL UPDATES
On June 3, an executive order was published converting approximately eight thousand federal positions across the federal government to Schedule Policy/Career, including 400 at HHS. Feds in converted positions were notified last week. This week's legal update includes a detailed breakdown of the number of converted positions by OPDIV, along with a Q&A that covers what you should do if your position was converted, who is likely to be next, and what everyone can do to prepare. This week's legal update also covers federal lawsuits challenging the HHS RIFs and the current status of HHS RIF appeals in the MSPB.
You can read the most recent legal update here.
CALLS TO ACTION
» Take a minute to read the first report from the State of the CDC Workforce Study, which captured the experiences of CDC staff since January 2025. Topics included reasons for leaving (or staying at) CDC, work-related stressors, changes that have impacted staff work, and more.
» Read NPHC’s recent Substack post, These flavors weren't created by accident. If you haven’t already, please consider subscribing.
FBF AIDS Walk
» Come walk with your fellow Spoons for HIV Prevention. Register for the Fired But Fighting team for AIDS Walk Atlanta on September 26, 2026, in Piedmont Park. Use code AWA26 by June 16 for 50% off registration.
Comment by July 13th
We Need Your Voice
» Comments are needed on the OMB’s proposed rule titled “Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance,” which would grant political appointees’ control over financial assistance, including grants, cooperative agreements, and other federal financial aid. The Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance serves as the legal framework governing all federal grants, thereby impacting everyone who might receive federal support.
The public comment period for this proposal is currently open. This period is not merely symbolic; it is the formal opportunity to incorporate evidence, experience, and public concern into the official record. Once the rule is finalized, it may shape rights, protections, and freedoms in ways that may reduce health opportunities for all. Please: (1) read this Substack post to understand the rule, (2) inform others who may be affected, and (3) submit your comments here by July 13.
For guidance on submitting a public comment, refer to How to Submit a Public Comment on the OMB Rule.
» Action Network letter campaign: Write Congress to protect PEPFAR & CDC’s global health work. Share with your networks - if you’re a current federal employee, sign outside of work hours in your personal capacity.
» Volunteer with Fired But Fighting: Looking for ways to channel your rage? Sign up to volunteer.
EVENTS
Juneteenth Day of Service
» Join Fired But Fighting for a Juneteenth day of service at the Atlanta History Center on Friday June 19 from 8:30am-12:30pm. Volunteer opportunities include greeting, wayfinding, gardening, and children’s activities.
» Don’t forget to keep an eye on FBF’s events page for updates between newsletters.
» Did you know FBF has a community calendar? Check it out for career development and other events. Have an event you want listed? Send a calendar invitation to info@firedbutfighting.org.
CAREER CORNER
» Career Corner is off this week, but take a look at a few upcoming opportunities for career support.
AID Coaching
AID Coaching is a network of 60+ former USAID coaches offering 3 pro bono career transition coaching services for mission-driven professionals. All coaches are trained and/or certified by the International Coaching Federation. Get more information and sign up on their website, www.aidcoaching.com.
» Executive Coaching Webinar on June 15 at 12pm EST: In this informal webinar, you’ll learn how you might receive help from having an Emory executive coach along with details on timing, expectations, and how to express your interest. Meeting link here.
» Join the Opportunities for Former HHS Staff and follow Fired But Fighting on LinkedIn to stay current on career-related events.
UNION CORNER
» Schedule P/C Notice — Local 2883 is tracking reports of CDC employees being notified that their positions are being converted from Title 5 competitive service to Schedule Policy/Career, also called Schedule P/C. If you receive a notice that your position is being converted to Schedule P/C, please do the following immediately:
Whether you were a BUE, are a Union member, or not, fill out our Schedule P/C survey
Only if you were part of our collective bargaining unit before it was derecognized under Executive Order 14251, also send us an email marked URGENT at: info@afge2883ga.org with your name, position title, series, grade, and office/division, date you received the notice, and a copy or screenshot of the notice, if you are comfortable sharing it.
» If you’re on the Reemployment Priority List (RPL) after the CDC RIF, consider applying for open positions where you meet the job series and grade, even if it doesn’t sound like a perfect match. If you apply and make the certificate, another CDC office may be able to pull that list and select you. Applying to an RPL-open announcement does not remove you from the RPL. AFGE Local 2883 is tracking these job announcements and needs RPL candidates to complete our short survey about the application process so we can help ensure the RPL is being used properly.
» Check Your Position Description: CDC policy requires employees and supervisors to review and verify PD accuracy annually as part of performance reviews. Use your mid-year review to ensure your PD reflects your actual duties and request updates through HR, via your supervisor and management officer, if needed. Keeping your PD accurate helps protect and support your role over time. If you have questions about this process, please reach out to us at info@afge2883ga.org.
» Guidance for PMAPs: CDC has significantly reduced 2025 PMAP awards after employees have already made their selection. We have also heard that additional changes are being made to 2025 awards, although no specifics have been shared. All employees should log into the PMAS system and download copies of their PMAP appraisals (HHS Form 704B) and the current 2025 award selection form. Remember: knowledge is power, but documentation is king.
» If you have RA-specific questions or would like to help us support your colleagues in the disability community, please email us at ra@afge2883ga.org.
» If you’re not already a member, sign up 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
Eat for Good with CDC Mutual Aid
» Support the CDC Mutual Aid Fund by getting a meal at the Panera Bread on North Druid Hills on June 24, 2026, during Fundraiser Night. If you buy something from Panera Bread in person on this date between 4 pm and 8 pm, a portion of the sale will be donated to the CDC Mutual Aid Fund. Online orders placed throughout the day at the North Druid Hills location will also count toward sales. All you have to do is show the flyer if you're in the store or use the online code. Thank you for your support ♥️
» Follow CDC Mutual Aid Network on social media:
THE WEEKLY NEEDLE
» The Weekly Needle is America’s most trusted news source for all things health and medicine. Enjoy our most recent story from this week:
» New Schedule F Classifications Specify the Ability to Count Past Ten, Capacity to Empathize as Policy-Related. “Based on our estimates, 95% of the federal workforce that isn’t ICE and CBP would be deemed policy-related,” says one expert.
» Please consider becoming a subscriber by following the link here. Interested in contributing? Email us at theweeklyneedle@proton.me.
SPOON OF THE WEEK
» This week we’re shouting out our fellow spoons who boldly left a message in protest of the Grand Rounds with anti-vaccine speakers organized by our “Senior Official Carrying out the Delegable Duties of the CDC Director.” Do better, Jay.
» To submit a spoon for a future newsletter, email info@firedbutfighting.org.
SELF CARE
» Mental Health Support for the LGBTQ+ Community | NAMI
» Self-Care Guide for LGBTQ+ Young People | The Trevor Project
» 😆 Think the new HHS HR situation is bad? Could be worse. Could be Imperial HR.
» 🕹️👾 Don’t forget about the Southern Fried Gaming Expo, which is run by 3 NCEH Spoons, taking place from July 31 through August 2 at the Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel & Convention Center and the Cobb Convention Center Atlanta.
FIRED BUT FIGHTING IN THE NEWS
» June 4: As Ebola Virus Spreads, We See the Terrifying Effects of Trump Dismantling USAID | Truthout
