Hundreds of current and former federal employees congregated on Wednesday outside the headquarters of the Department of Health and Human Services, voicing their discontent over recent layoffs and their potential adverse effects on public health initiatives. Much of the protest was directed at Elon Musk and the efforts of his agency to implement spending cuts.
“We are here today to advocate for the future of science, and to secure a better future for families across the nation,” stated Ian Fucci, a cancer researcher affiliated with the National Institutes of Health (NIH). He highlighted the critical role that NIH and its funded researchers play in developing vital medications for chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Fucci questioned whether dismantling years of intricate research efforts truly benefits the American public.
As attendees were subjected to chilly weather and light snowfall, they passionately chanted slogans such as “Funding, not freezes” and “Stand up, fight back.” Many carried placards with messages like “Protect civil servants because they protect you!” and “In science we trust.”
The crowd’s frustration was primarily aimed at Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency and the confusion that has arisen from workforce reductions. One creatively altered sign mocked the acronym DOGE, reading “Department of Grifting Everything.”
Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen from Maryland addressed the crowd of around 300, affirming the determination to halt what he labeled as Musk’s “illegal takeover” of government operations. He promised that the fight against these policies would continue both in the courts and within Congress, emphasizing that there could be no return to normalcy in legislative procedures while these issues persist.
Ellen Bak, a former NIH scientist, shared her personal experience of being terminated over the recent weekend, lamenting how her research on stem cells and blood cancers has now been rendered virtually non-existent. “The sheer amount of money, time, testing, and effort—does it all just vanish?” she questioned.
Jenna McGrew, an 18-year-old student hailing from Florida, expressed her concerns regarding her older brother, Ethan, who is currently battling a rare autoimmune disease while receiving care at the NIH. She described the uncertainty surrounding NIH’s operations as a danger to his well-being. “What’s happening is not only affecting my family; it impacts every American. The NIH stands as one of the premier hospitals globally, conducting crucial research. Cuts to its funding do not only threaten our nation but have implications worldwide,” she remarked.
This gathering took place near the Capitol, where several lawmakers reaffirmed their pledge to oppose these policies from within Congress. Maryland Democratic Representative Jamie Raskin drew a parallel between the medical research conducted by scientists and the broader socio-political challenges facing America today. He noted, “These individuals are combating the viruses that pose threats to Americans, but let’s not forget that fascism is a virus too.”
“Those braving these subfreezing temperatures are the antibodies in this fight. We are the antibodies,” he concluded, rallying the crowd in support of their cause.
