The new director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Dr. Erica Schwartz, faces pressure to revive a number of congressionally funded programs that are effectively defunct due to a lack of staff. These initiatives, referred to as "zombie programs," were impacted by significant layoffs initiated under the Trump administration in April 2025.

During her confirmation hearing, U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine highlighted the Office on Smoking and Health, a program mandated by statute and receiving congressional appropriations, pressing Schwartz on her commitment to restoring its dormant activities. Schwartz affirmed, "I will always follow the law."

The administration's effort to remake the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services included sending layoff notices to thousands of employees across federal health agencies. This initiative, reportedly influenced by then-adviser Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency, aimed to consolidate programs under a new subagency, the Administration for a Healthy America, though this reorganization has met congressional resistance. Nevertheless, the layoffs proceeded, affecting researchers, scientists, doctors, and leaders.

While some cuts were reversed—including those at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and for STD testing and lead poisoning control staff—many have persisted. Staff members laid off have, in some cases, been placed on administrative leave, paid but unable to perform their duties, as legal challenges continue.

Most of the CDC's budget is distributed to state and local programs, and grant processing has largely continued. However, the departure of experienced experts has led to a loss of seasoned researchers and a diminished national framework for public health guidance. "Without the experts, the coordination is not there across the country" in tackling public health problems, noted Erika Sward, chief advocacy officer for UsAgainstAlzheimer’s.

In January, Congress passed an appropriations bill that stipulated funding for over 200 projects and activities, requiring the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to maintain staff for statutorily mandated program work. Despite this, a list compiled by current and former CDC employees details numerous funded programs with decimated staffing.

These programs include:

  • The Office on Smoking and Health, which historically tracked trends and supported public health campaigns like "Tips from Former Smokers."
  • A $41 million Alzheimer's initiative focused on surveillance, risk prevention, and communication.
  • An $18 million program for overdose prevention in tribal communities.
  • An $11 million program for epilepsy tracking and community support.
  • A $6 million sickle cell disease data collection program.
  • The Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System, used for analyzing maternal health behaviors and outcomes.
  • A $2 million program for drowning prevention.

The impact of these cuts is particularly notable in programs addressing chronic diseases, a priority area for U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has previously criticized the CDC for insufficient action.

Democratic lawmakers argue that the situation with these "zombie programs" may violate the Impoundment Control Act of 1974. Senator Tammy Baldwin has stated that "President Trump is showing time and again that he will put politics ahead of Americans’ health." Senator Jon Ossoff, representing Georgia where the CDC is based, indicated that legislators are monitoring Schwartz's actions: "We will learn swiftly whether she intends to follow the law."

During a recent visit to the CDC, Secretary Kennedy praised employees and stated, "My sole purpose is to allow you to do your jobs," though he did not directly address the programs lacking staff. Earlier in April, Kennedy had mentioned plans to hire 12,000 new workers for federal health agencies, primarily to combat chronic health conditions. However, it remains unclear how many hires have been made at the CDC, with union officials suggesting little significant progress on new hiring or reinstating laid-off employees.

An HHS spokesperson stated, "Dr. Schwartz is determined to support and empower employees to ensure they have what they need to succeed."