To see her full remarks introducing the amendment, watch here.
Washington, DC – Last night, Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) offered an amendment to Senate Republicans’ Budget Resolution that would address the wrongful termination of federal employees who protect the health and safety of Americans. It was voted down by Senate Republicans on a voice vote.
The amendment would protect scientists, emergency preparedness staff, frontline health care workers, drug or medical device reviewers, or other employees at the Department of Health and Human Services from unlawful termination. This comes as the Trump administration have gutted the HHS federal workforce, firing thousands of career employees who protect the health and well-being of Americans.
Below are the Senator’s remarks introducing the amendment, as delivered.
“This amendment would prevent the wrongful termination of federal employees who protect the health and safety of all Americans at a time when our country is facing unprecedented workforce shortages.
“The Trump administration is thoughtlessly and callously firing thousands of public servants at the Department of Health and Human Services and other departments, putting all of us at risk. What does this mean? It means delaying cures for cancer. It means higher prescription drug costs for seniors, which we fought so hard to lower. It means higher maternity mortality rates and more American women dying needlessly giving birth.
“And who are these public servants? They are scientists, emergency preparedness experts, the frontline health care workers that we called heroes.
“Bottom line, it’s the people who keep us safe and healthy. While Republicans work to cut taxes for billionaires, they are slashing the health care workforce our communities rely on.
“On behalf of our constituents and our country. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, and I yield back.”
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Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester represents Delaware in the United States Senate where she serves on the Committees on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; Commerce, Science, and Transportation; Environment and Public Works; and Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.