Some CDC programs live on without staff

Key Points:

• The CDC has several under-staffed or inactive programs, including Alzheimer’s disease, smoking cessation, epilepsy, sickle cell disease, and rape prevention, despite receiving congressional funding; these "zombie programs" lack personnel due to layoffs initiated by the Trump administration.
• In April 2025, the Trump administration laid off thousands of CDC employees as part of a reorganization plan that stalled amid congressional opposition, resulting in many staff being placed on paid administrative leave but unable to work.
• Although some layoffs were reversed through lawsuits and legislative efforts, many programs remain understaffed, impairing the CDC’s ability to coordinate national public health efforts and conduct research, particularly on chronic diseases.
• Democratic lawmakers argue that the defunding of these programs violates the Impoundment Control Act, but enforcement is hindered by Republican control of Congress and limited political will to challenge the administration.
• Newly appointed CDC director Dr. Erica Schwartz faces congressional pressure to revive these programs, but hiring has been minimal so far, and it remains unclear how she plans to restore full functionality to the affected initiatives.