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Senators Demand Answers on Trump Administration's Firing of Childhood Lead Experts

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Jack Reed (D-RI) are pressing Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. for written answers regarding the Trump Administration's firing of childhood lead experts. The CDC's Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program has played a crucial role in identifying lead hazards in homes and directing resources to families and communities in need. The Senators have received notifications from Milwaukee Public Schools that their requests for support have been denied due to the administration's firing of the entire Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Surveillance Branch.

Key Takeaways:

  • The CDC's Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program has been operational but has no staff since the Trump Administration's firing of employees.
  • Local officials in Milwaukee have confirmed that the requested aid from the CDC is not being provided.
  • The Senators have written to Secretary Kennedy demanding written answers on the status of the Program.
  • The Program has played an essential role in identifying lead hazards in homes and the associated risk to children.
  • Milwaukee has shuttered six schools and displaced 1,800 children due to lead hazards.
  • Senator Baldwin visited Milwaukee Public Schools' Frances Starms Discovery Learning Center to meet with parents whose children's health were at risk.
  • The Senators have demanded that the Trump administration reinstate the fired CDC lead poisoning experts and approve Milwaukee's plea for federal assistance to help keep children safe.

Statistics:

  • 6 schools have been shuttered in Milwaukee due to lead hazards.
  • 1,800 children have been displaced due to lead hazards.
  • The fiscal year 2026 budget request proposes continuing funding for the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program outside of CDC and within the proposed Administration for a Healthy America.
  • The CDC's Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program has supported 62 states and localities since January 20, 2025.

Sources:

Sources:

  • [United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin (http://baldwin.senate.gov/)]
  • [HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. (https://www.hhs.gov/)]
  • [Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (http://appropriations.senate.gov/)]
  • [Rhode Island Department of Health (http://health.ri.gov/)]

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