States Fight Cuts to Public Health Grants

On February 11, 2026, four Democratic-led states filed suit to block a federal plan to terminate certain public health grants. The plaintiffs—California, Colorado, Illinois and Minnesota—assert that HHS notified Congress of an intention to end specific CDC awards exclusively in their states and that the moves are legally and practically indefensible. The complaint was filed after state leaders said they learned of the planned cuts and saw no lawful basis for the sudden action.

California’s attorney general said the administration proposed cutting more than $600 million in CDC grants, and that California would bear the largest share of the impact. The terminated awards fund core work: testing and treatment for H.I.V. and other sexually transmitted infections, routine immunization programs, laboratory upgrades and disease surveillance systems that track outbreaks. Local health departments had planned multi-year projects that depended on those funds, and staff and services now face immediate uncertainty.

The states argue that the termination notices improperly cited the 'end of the pandemic' as a basis to invoke 'for cause' rules, even though many awards had scheduled end dates in 2026 or 2027. They contend HHS exceeded its statutory authority and that the abrupt cancellations violate the Administrative Procedure Act, so they ask courts to enjoin the cuts. If a court grants relief, the grants can continue to support clinics, vaccine outreach and laboratory work while the litigation proceeds.

Consequently, the outcome will shape how federal health dollars are disbursed and whether states can rely on multi-year grants for preparedness and prevention when unexpected policy shifts occur.