BREAKING NEWS

» Takes one to know one. RFK Jr. Now Has to Deal With Explosive Diarrhea Outbreak | The New Republic

» Sometimes correlation does equal causation. New disease threats follow Trump Administration’s health program cuts | KOTA TV

» What the FDA agency file in the MSPB reveals about how the HHS RIF was planned, and a window into more cuts that almost happened. Insights from the DOGE Files | Substack

» Yeah, sure. CDC leaders vow hiring surge is coming, echoing promise made months ago | Federal News Network

» An Idaho mother who said her toddler twins died after vaccinations has been charged with murder | AP News

» Even more reason to get our PMAP Season mug. OPM finalizes performance review overhaul for federal employees | Federal News Network

» Tune in to the hearing. Trump CDC Nominee Schwartz Set for July 15 US Senate Confirmation Hearing | US News and World Report

Welcome to the 69th 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

» There has been substantial activity among many of the HHS MSPB appeals. Discovery is open in several consolidations, and appeals filed by CDC RIFees appear to finally be moving. In federal court, HHS has once again attempted to pass off a thin submission of emails an Excel spreadsheet list of "competitive areas" as a complete administrative record for the NY v. Kennedy case. Meanwhile, AFGE continues to fight for discovery of the administration's ongoing plans to downsize the federal workforce writ large. This week's legal update includes details on these developments, as well as an analysis on the implications of the Trump v. Slaughter Supreme Court decision for a merit-based civil service.

You can read the most recent legal update here.

CALLS TO ACTION

» FINAL WEEK: Comments are needed by July 13 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. Read and share Jeffrey Hall’s LinkedIn post for information about potential impacts and what to do.

**The Missing Badge**

For those in the DC area: Please consider coming out to this event hosted by AFGE L1534 to support our fellow State Department colleagues who were RIF’d.

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

EVENTS

» 🥄COMING SOON: GROUP SPOON TATTOOS. Stay tuned.

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

CAREER CORNER

» Career Corner is off this week, but check last week’s Career Corner for events and resources.

» Join the Opportunities for Former HHS Staff and follow Fired But Fighting on LinkedIn to stay current on career-related events.

UNION CORNER

» FEHB Family Member Audit: As part of OPM's stated effort to reduce fraudulent FEHB enrollment, some CDC and ATSDR employees received an email about an audit of 2025 FEHB family member eligibility. At this time, we are recommending that employees not provide requested documentation via unsecured email. We are working to identify a more secure means to provide the documentation and will provide an update before the July 15th deadline.

» Updated RA Request Process: This week, CDC shared that staff should submit new reasonable accommodation requests through the HHS Service Now Portal. If you have a pending RA request, you DO NOT need to submit a new request.

» Webinar - State of the Federal Workforce with Richard Vitaris: On Wednesday, July 15th at 6 pm ET, L2883 will hold a webinar on the state of the federal workforce with retired Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) Administrative Judge Richard Vitaris. Judge Vitaris will present on the current state of the federal workforce, including Schedule P/C, RIFs, suitability standards, and more. A Zoom registration link was sent to all union members, and we hope to see you there!

» Call to Action - Comments Needed: OPM has introduced new proposed changes to the Code of Federal Regulations to make it easier to remove employees. We encourage all members to read the proposed rule, “Promoting Employee Accountability,” and submit a public comment outlining your concerns about these changes.

» 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.