Department of Human Services

President Trump is invoking a rarely used authority to cancel close to $1 billion in Department of Health and Human Services programs that Congress had already funded. The move bypasses lawmakers who approved the spending, drawing criticism from opponents of unilateral budget actions. Health policy observers are watching for which programs are affected and whether Congress will push back.

Democratic lawmakers are pressing the Department of Health and Human Services over its handling of legal representation for migrant children in federal custody. The push questions whether detained minors are being given adequate access to attorneys and due process protections. The exchange adds to ongoing partisan disputes over immigration enforcement and the treatment of unaccompanied children crossing the US border.

The Department of Human Services has announced new and expanded partnerships aimed at reducing suicide deaths across the state. The initiative is intended to strengthen suicide prevention efforts by working with partner organisations on outreach, support services and crisis response. Details about the specific partners and funding were not included in the announcement, and public reaction has so far been limited.