New York Attorney General Letitia James secured a preliminary injunction halting Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s attempt to dismantle the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), ensuring continued access to critical public health and social service programs. On May 5, Attorney General James led a coalition of 19 other attorneys general in suing to stop the administration’s sweeping and unlawful directive, which left HHS unable to carry out many of its most vital functions. Today, Judge Melissa R. DuBose of the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island blocked the administration’s mass layoffs at several key HHS agencies – including those responsible for Head Start, the World Trade Center Health Program, infectious disease monitoring, and federal poverty guideline calculations – while the case proceeds.

“HHS is the backbone of our nation’s public health and social safety net – from cancer screenings and maternal health to early childhood education and domestic violence prevention. Today’s order guarantees these programs and services will remain accessible and halts the administration’s attempt to sabotage our nation’s health care system. My office will continue fighting to stop this unlawful dismantling and defend the essential services that protect our most vulnerable communities.” – AG James