HHS Confronts Multibillion-Dollar Grant Delays Post-DOGE

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has reached out to former employees, asking them to temporarily return in order to manage an extensive backlog of grants, currently exceeding a billion dollars. This backlog has arisen due to obstacles created in recent administration policies.

According to anonymous sources within HHS, those invited back include staff previously involved in managing grants for the Administration for Children and Families (ACF). It is reported that nearly half of ACF’s staff dealing with grant management exited during the previous presidential term.

Critical funding has been delayed for programs addressing youth homelessness and domestic violence, alongside other community service initiatives.

The funding lapse extends beyond the ACF. The Health Resources and Services Administration has also experienced a freeze in resource allocation for healthcare providers following the expiry of funding.

With the fiscal year end looming, HHS is mobilizing to expedite the grant approval process despite potential challenges. Officials are considering enlisting additional personnel, such as contractors, to alleviate the backlog.

The delays are attributed to new bureaucratic practices introduced in the prior administration, which have complicated external grant applications and awards. These complications require grants to be finalized by September, yet many remain pending.

Previously, organizations enjoyed longer periods to submit grant applications, but now, the application window could be reduced to a mere two weeks. Officials note this has placed significant pressure on applicants to meet submission deadlines.

Notices to invite applications have been delayed by a review process established by the previous administration, requiring clearance by the Department of Grant Efficiency (DOGE).

Despite requests for clear extensions of previous grants, White House officials have resisted such proposals.

The chain of recent administrative changes includes revising the Clinton-era policy exempting federally funded programs from checking immigration status for eligibility. While no immediate changes are in enforcement, the department highlights the possibility of policy updates influencing future grants.

Alexander Tin reports on public health from CBS News' Washington D.C. bureau.