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# Some FDA Workers May Get Temporary Duty: Report
- URL: https://www.fdaweb.com/some-fda-workers-may-get-temporary-duty-report/
- Published: 2025-04-03T12:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-14T14:56:57.000Z
- Author: David McFarland
- Tags: FDA Policy/General, #legacy-id-D5158951

Apparently unprepared for the significant disruptions to daily FDA activities caused by this week’s firing of several thousand staff, the agency is now looking to bring some of those workers back for a short period to assist in the transition. FDA’s new chief operating officer, **Barclay Butler**, reportedly has asked top officials to identify employees who could be brought back on temporary remote work duty during a 60-day transition period. A Butler email was obtained by the *Washington Post* and discussed [online](https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/fda-is-looking-for-some-laid-off-employees-to-temporarily-keep-working/ar-AA1CffHo?ref=fdaweb.com).

Another agency official, **Melanie Keller**, told senior staff that if they have challenges with employees not wanting to work, “we encourage you to select another employee that can support you in the transition efforts.”

Butler said those brought back for the transition could include, but are not limited to, functions such as travel and logistics for foreign inspections, information technology, management of user fees, laboratory personnel, financial management, and several other areas.

“As a point of emphasis, I am only asking for the employees who are necessary for support during the 60-day transition period,” Butler wrote.

Keller told senior leaders they could directly authorize selected staff to work remotely and asked for lists of those being brought back by the close of business on 4/3 to ensure they are no longer carried on administrative leave.

In an email, **Andrew** **Nixon**, an HHS spokesman, wrote that all employees affected by the reduction in force may be asked to temporarily work until their government service ends on 6/2\. “This decision is focused on ensuring that the transition is as seamless as possible, minimizing any disruption to the agency’s mission and operations,” he wrote. “HHS fully supports this approach, which aims to maintain public health services while managing the reorganization process effectively.”

The post says that HHS secretary **Robert F. Kennedy**, Jr., wrote on 4/2 on X that HHS must “shift course.” He said HHS “needs to be recalibrated to emphasize prevention, not just sick care. These changes will not affect Medicare, Medicaid, or other essential health services.”