Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced plans to block significant cuts to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) budget.

His concerns are heightened by an ongoing listeria outbreak linked to Boar’s Head deli meats, which has resulted in at least three deaths and over 40 illnesses.

Schumer highlighted the outbreak as a critical example of the potential consequences of proposed budget cuts to the CDC.

He emphasized that a 22% cut to the CDC's budget is unacceptable during a public health crisis, warning it would significantly disrupt food safety initiatives.

Schumer warned that such cuts could severely impact food safety funding and operations, posing alarming risks during this crisis.

He cautioned that if the budget cuts are enacted, the overall food safety infrastructure of the federal government could be at risk.

Schumer stated that reducing the CDC's budget during a food safety crisis is particularly alarming.

The proposed budget cut of $1.8 billion, approximately 22%, threatens public health programs and comes from a House bill advanced by the Republican-led House Appropriations Committee.

This measure was advanced with a party-line vote in July 2024, reflecting significant partisan divisions on public health funding.

Democrats argue that the cuts would jeopardize public health, particularly programs aimed at firearm injury prevention and opioid overdose response.

In the midst of these budget discussions, the CDC has been involved in monitoring the listeria outbreak, which prompted the recall of 7 million pounds of deli products from Boar’s Head.

Schumer emphasized that the Senate will not support measures that jeopardize the federal food safety system.