Jen Carvey of the Office of Legislative Council presented a draft resolution opposing recent federal actions that the draft describes as threatening public health and urging their reversal; the committee discussed revisions to emphasize state impacts and agreed to circulate a Vermont‑specific version for sign‑ons.

Carvey, who presented the draft, said the resolution "opposing recent federal actions that threaten public health and urging their swift reversal" lists several federal moves the draft cites as causes for concern, including an executive order to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization, cuts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Office on Smoking and Health, changes at the Food and Drug Administration affecting tobacco regulation, and National Institutes of Health restrictions related to diversity, equity and inclusion programs.

Committee members debated whether the draft should state impacts on Vermont specifically or be left as a broader statement. One member noted the draft does not currently cite a specific Vermont impact and warned that an entirely national framing could be seen as divisive; others argued that federal cuts could limit grant funding and research capacity that support state programs. The committee agreed to add language addressing effects “in Vermont” and to post a revised copy to the committee webpage.

Members also discussed what process to use for adoption. The draft would, if adopted, direct the secretary to send a copy of the resolution to the president, the HHS secretary and the state’s congressional delegation. The committee did not take a final vote; instead, members said they would meet early next week to finalize language and determine who will sign on as committee sponsors. One senator said they were willing to sign on; others preferred to review the revised draft before committing.

Carvey summarized the current draft as covering a range of federal actions, including an approximately $1 billion reduction in federal school mental‑health grants and staff cuts at the CDC and at FDA tobacco‑related offices, and described an element in the draft asserting that recent federal leadership lacks understanding of scientific research. The committee asked staff to produce a revised draft that adds Vermont‑specific language and to circulate it for members to consider before a brief reconvening next week.