19 States Sue Health Department Over Restructuring and Terminations

Attorneys general say the cuts violate federal law.

New York Attorney General Letitia James in New York City on Nov. 8, 2023. Spencer Platt/Getty Images

New York and 18 other states sued the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on May 5, alleging that the department’s major overhaul violates federal law and the U.S. Constitution.

“[The cuts] defy Congress’s authority, and they violate federal law,” New York Attorney General Letitia James said during a virtual news conference.