Raphael Warnock and Hank Johnson rally at CDC layoffs protest

ATLANTA — Georgia Democratic Sen. Rev. Raphael Warnock and Congressman Hank Johnson joined protesters outside the CDC offices in Atlanta on Tuesday.

The two lawmakers spoke to the crowd, encouraging them to continue standing against mass layoffs within the federal government.

“Now is not the time to cut back,” Sen. Warnock said to the crowd of protesters. “Now is the time to double our efforts and focus.”

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Warnock went on to praise workers’ efforts in maternal health, a hot-button issue in the state with Georgia having one of the worst maternal mortality rates in the country, as well as tackling chronic health conditions such as heart disease.

“I am grateful to God for scientists, for the work you do each day… I want to thank you for protecting us from the bad stuff we don’t even see,” he added as the crowd cheered, before noting he worries that the cutbacks could leave many vulnerable “in ways that we can’t even see.”

The Georgia senator pointed to the recent COVID-19 pandemic as evidence of the importance of the CDC’s work in helping keep Americans safe.

RELATED: Sen. Raphael Warnock calls CDC layoffs ‘a disgrace’ as thousands lose jobs

According to the Associated Press, roughly 2,400 jobs were expected to be cut from the CDC back on April 1.

The layoffs have sparked protests from healthcare workers and lawmakers in Atlanta. Critics argue that the dismissals were executed haphazardly, with some employees receiving termination notices during family leave or being falsely labeled as poor performers despite positive evaluations. 

Demonstrations have occurred at the CDC headquarters, with supporters expressing concern over the potential risks to public health.

The Trump administration is defending the layoffs as necessary for improving government efficiency. Public health experts counter that the cuts could undermine the CDC’s ability to respond to health emergencies.