Selena Simmons-Duffin

He says they'll do that by consolidating administrative work like IT and human resources, but that the restructuring won't affect the work the agencies do. Kennedy draws a direct line between the problems with America's overall health and the way HHS has been set up.

He says they'll do that by consolidating administrative work like IT and human resources, but that the restructuring won't affect the work the agencies do. Kennedy draws a direct line between the problems with America's overall health and the way HHS has been set up.

He says they'll do that by consolidating administrative work like IT and human resources, but that the restructuring won't affect the work the agencies do. Kennedy draws a direct line between the problems with America's overall health and the way HHS has been set up.

My inbox was flooded with shocked responses yesterday from Democratic lawmakers, nurses groups, public health groups, advocates for seniors. They say this isn't an overhaul, it's a wrecking ball. I asked former HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius for her reaction. She was incredulous that Kennedy thinks he can cut HHS staff so steeply and not affect services.

My inbox was flooded with shocked responses yesterday from Democratic lawmakers, nurses groups, public health groups, advocates for seniors. They say this isn't an overhaul, it's a wrecking ball. I asked former HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius for her reaction. She was incredulous that Kennedy thinks he can cut HHS staff so steeply and not affect services.

My inbox was flooded with shocked responses yesterday from Democratic lawmakers, nurses groups, public health groups, advocates for seniors. They say this isn't an overhaul, it's a wrecking ball. I asked former HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius for her reaction. She was incredulous that Kennedy thinks he can cut HHS staff so steeply and not affect services.

She was especially critical of the plan to cut the number of regional offices from 10 to 5 and to combine certain agencies. Like she questioned how it would help efficiency to combine CDC, which is in Atlanta, with the Strategic Preparedness Agency, which is in D.C.

She was especially critical of the plan to cut the number of regional offices from 10 to 5 and to combine certain agencies. Like she questioned how it would help efficiency to combine CDC, which is in Atlanta, with the Strategic Preparedness Agency, which is in D.C.

She was especially critical of the plan to cut the number of regional offices from 10 to 5 and to combine certain agencies. Like she questioned how it would help efficiency to combine CDC, which is in Atlanta, with the Strategic Preparedness Agency, which is in D.C.

It looks like the steepest cuts are coming from CDC and FDA, also a lesser known agency called the Administration for Community Living, which helps seniors and people with disabilities live independently. They do work like meal delivery, transportation support for caregivers.

It looks like the steepest cuts are coming from CDC and FDA, also a lesser known agency called the Administration for Community Living, which helps seniors and people with disabilities live independently. They do work like meal delivery, transportation support for caregivers.

It looks like the steepest cuts are coming from CDC and FDA, also a lesser known agency called the Administration for Community Living, which helps seniors and people with disabilities live independently. They do work like meal delivery, transportation support for caregivers.

Under the plans, that agency will be dismantled and its, quote, critical services will get spread out over a few different agencies. So employees whose jobs are getting cut could get notices as soon as today with the cuts effective in May. And HHS did not respond to NPR's request for an interview with Secretary Kennedy or give answers to a list of questions about the plans.

Under the plans, that agency will be dismantled and its, quote, critical services will get spread out over a few different agencies. So employees whose jobs are getting cut could get notices as soon as today with the cuts effective in May. And HHS did not respond to NPR's request for an interview with Secretary Kennedy or give answers to a list of questions about the plans.

Under the plans, that agency will be dismantled and its, quote, critical services will get spread out over a few different agencies. So employees whose jobs are getting cut could get notices as soon as today with the cuts effective in May. And HHS did not respond to NPR's request for an interview with Secretary Kennedy or give answers to a list of questions about the plans.

Republican lawmakers have been fairly quiet so far, especially compared to Democratic members of Congress who have quickly put together press conferences, quote, sounding the alarm about this plan. Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, the Republican chair of the Health Committee, did not respond to NPR's request for comment.

Republican lawmakers have been fairly quiet so far, especially compared to Democratic members of Congress who have quickly put together press conferences, quote, sounding the alarm about this plan. Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, the Republican chair of the Health Committee, did not respond to NPR's request for comment.

Republican lawmakers have been fairly quiet so far, especially compared to Democratic members of Congress who have quickly put together press conferences, quote, sounding the alarm about this plan. Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, the Republican chair of the Health Committee, did not respond to NPR's request for comment.

What Republicans have said is that the details aren't out yet, that they believe there is administrative sprawl at HHS, that it can be streamlined, and that they trust Kennedy.

What Republicans have said is that the details aren't out yet, that they believe there is administrative sprawl at HHS, that it can be streamlined, and that they trust Kennedy.