Washington — The top Democrat on the House Education and Workforce Committee is again calling for an oversight hearing on recent layoffs at the Department of Health and Human Services, including those at NIOSH.
In an Aug. 20 letter addressed to Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI), chair of the committee, Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA) said: “The committee usually has the opportunity to hear from the secretary during an annual budget hearing to discuss the policies and the priorities of the department. To date, this hearing has not occurred this year.
“Further, we have not yet received comprehensive information from HHS regarding the impacts of the proposed reorganization and the reductions in force undertaken by the department.”
That reduction in force reportedly includes more than 870 NIOSH employees, including those who approve respirators as part of the National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory.
NIOSH is expected to merge with four other agencies to form the Administration for a Healthy America:
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
- Health Resources and Services Administration
- Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
“The urgency of an oversight hearing is exacerbated by the recent termination of 4,623 dedicated public servants on July 14, 2025, and HHS’ continued lack of transparency surrounding its reorganization plans,” Scott said.
Scott made his initial request for a hearing in a letter sent to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Walberg on April 8, days after the announcement of the restructuring plan.
