Outcry Over Family Separations At Border Puts Agency Into Major PR Spin Control: ‘HHS Is Aware Of Every Child’
Although HHS didn't write the separation policy, it has become enmeshed in the public relations nightmare for its role of housing the children separated from their parents at the border. Meanwhile, officials try to cut down on lawmakers' unannounced visits to the detention centers.
The Hill:
HHS Enters Damage-Control Mode Over Family Separations
President Trump's “zero tolerance” immigration policy has left the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) scrambling to contain what’s quickly becoming a public relations nightmare. While HHS didn't write the policy, the agency is responsible for implementing the most controversial aspect: housing the children separated from their parents at the U.S.-Mexico border. (Weixel, 7/3)
The Hill:
HHS Tries To Clamp Down On Unannounced Lawmaker Visits To Child Detention Centers
The Department of Health and Human Services is urging lawmakers to schedule visits to detention centers housing migrant children instead of showing up at the facilities unannounced. In a letter sent Tuesday to Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), the agency asked the lawmakers to help coordinate congressional visits to HHS-funded detention facilities. (Weixel, 7/3)
