Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer; new york Democratsseeking an immediate recovery from the Commonwealth HIV Funding for a ferocious letter to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services. Warns that the Trump administration’s HIV research and prevention cleaning will threaten the health and livelihoods of millions of Americans – especially LGBTQ+People.
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June 3rd letterSchumer accused HHS of reversed decades of scientific advancement and undermining the bipartisan “end the HIV epidemic” initiative launched under the president. Donald Trump 2019. He said the department’s decision to close over 200 HIV research grants, fire science staff and shut down critical vaccine trials is at stake both current and future efforts to stop the spread of the virus.
Related: Trump administrators will move to end the federal HIV prevention program. “Devastating” results, experts say
“These actions have put millions of lives at risk,” Schumer wrote, noting that HHS “has dangerously hindered efforts to tackle HIV reactions.” He criticised Kennedy’s role and urged him to move away from the decisions that healthcare professionals should make. “May the vaccine research community continue its noble work,” Schumer wrote.
Schumer stressed that the May 30 cancellation of two major NIH-funded HIV vaccine studies under development since 2012 could have deep, long-term consequences, especially for communities still disproportionately affected by the outbreak. He warned that such a decision could completely slow or derail future vaccine prospects.
Related: RFK Jr. closes HHS Infectious Diseases & HIV Policy
The senator also highlighted the devastating impact that Cut has on New York. There, over 100,000 people live with HIV. He said elimination of funding for programs such as the Minority AIDS Initiative, the CDC’s HIV Prevention Division, the Ryan White HIV & AIDS Program, and NIH-supported research disrupts healthcare institutions and grassroots interventions that serve as national models.
“These indiscriminate cuts threaten the very structure of the HIV reaction,” he wrote, adding that while the HIV community is resilient, it cannot withstand this level of federal abandonment.
Schumer cited internal forecasts that eliminating federal HIV prevention funds could lead to 143,000 new infections and 127,000 AIDS-related deaths over the next five years. health care cost. He also linked the crisis to Republican Party– The settlement bill that will drive an estimated 14 million people out of Medicaid puts the care of 40% of HIV adults who rely on the program at risk.
Related: Rachel Levine led the fight against HIV & STI with HHS. Now Trump has cancelled that progress and she’s speaking out
The first letter sent to Pride MonthEmphasises the cut as part of the wider one Political Assault on LGBTQ+ Americans.
The Senator requested a formal written response from Kennedy by July 1st. We outlined which resources, personnel, and federal infrastructure will remain to prevent, diagnose, and treat HIV.
His request continues on several months of reporting Supporters It exposes the administration’s plans to dismantle the CDC’s HIV preventive divisions and strip them of over $2 billion in research and services. These moves come amid a broader restructuring effort led by government efficiency under billionaire Tesla and X owner Elon Musk. health Programs to refer to LGBTQ+People, equity, or diversity.
Schumer’s letter arrives amid an increase in vigilance from national advocacy groups on the 2026 budget proposed by the Trump administration. On Wednesday, NMAC, known as the National Minority Aids Council, described its proposal to cut more than $1.5 billion in critical HIV-related funding, including the complete elimination of prevention and surveillance efforts at the CDC and housing opportunities for people with AIDS.
“This budget is a calculated attack on the very people who rely on HIV prevention, care and housing programs to survive,” said Paul Kawata, executive director of NMAC. “The administration is once again proof that its priorities do not include the health and dignity of those living with HIV, especially those in marginalized communities.”
The NMAC warns that the budget proposal will also end the Secretary’s Minority AIDS Initiative Fund and eliminate Ryan Whitepart F, who supports dental care, workforce training and community-driven research. Samhsa’s minority AIDS program will be cut by $119 million, with a 40% NIH cut that could reduce AIDS research by more than $1.3 billion.
According to the NMAC, the hepatitis, STD and tuberculosis prevention program will be integrated into a block grant with an overall funding of $77 million less. Meanwhile, the $220 million transfer to a newly untested “healthy American administration” raises serious concerns about continuity, transparency and surveillance. “This isn’t just a budget, it’s a roadmap to failure,” Kawata said. “We cannot end the HIV epidemic by eliminating the necessary tools.”
Related: Trump quietly removes Presidential HIV Advisory Council, causing public health fears (exclusive)
In an interview last month, former assistant secretary for health Dr. Rachel Levine, former assistant secretary for former health, said the rollback was not only political but also deeply personal. “All of these preventive efforts and research into vaccines and treatments is now at risk,” she said. Supportersexplains a systematic campaign to erase LGBTQ+ health from federal government policies.
At the time of publication, HHS has not responded Supporters Request a comment.
Source: Advocate.com – www.advocate.com
