We are deeply disappointed that Robert F. Kennedy (RFK) Jr.’s nomination has moved out of the Senate Finance Committee. Now, the whole Senate will vote on whether he becomes Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). We need your help to stop the Senate from putting this dangerous opponent of science in control of the nation’s health. Call your Senators NOW and ask them to vote AGAINST RFK Jr. for Secretary of the HHS.

RFK Jr. is a horrible choice for this role for many reasons. He makes false claims related to autism and vaccines. He is the founder of a prominent anti-vaccination non-profit. RFK Jr. has also promoted bunk “cures” for autism that have real health risks for the people involved. 

Additionally, Kennedy and his nonprofit played an active role in a recent measles outbreak in Samoa, spreading vaccine misinformation until the vaccination rate dropped low enough that 5,700 people were infected with measles, and 83 people died. When he was asked about this outbreak during his nomination hearing, Kennedy said that he didn’t believe the people who died had measles, a claim that the top health official for Samoa has called “a complete lie.” RFK Jr. has also made false claims about COVID-19 vaccine trials and about the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System, blaming unrelated deaths on COVID vaccinations.

If RFK Jr. becomes Secretary of HHS, our country’s health will suffer. But there is still time to stop him! Here’s how you can help:

1. Find your Senators using this tool
2. Call both of your Senators’ offices and tell them to vote NO on RFK Jr.’s nomination. You can use our script:

“Hello, my name is [Name] and I live in [State]. I am calling to tell [Senator name] that the nomination of RFK Jr. for HHS Secretary is dangerous for people who live in [your State]. RFK Jr. opposes life-saving vaccines and has pledged to stop funding research on treatments and cures for deadly diseases. RFK Jr. also lacks the experience necessary to manage major health care programs like Medicare and Medicaid. As one of the Senator’s constituents, I urge [him/her] to protect the health of people who live in [your State] and vote AGAINST RFK Jr.'s nomination.”

While you are calling, you can also tell your elected officials to protect Medicaid!

Need a reminder on what to expect when calling your Senators? We’ve got you covered.

Keeping RFK Jr. out of HHS isn’t just important for autistic people, but for everyone who uses Medicare or Medicaid, who looks to the CDC for guidance on public health, relies on the FDA to keep our medicine safe, or who benefits from our government funding and promoting vaccinations. If he is confirmed, all of us will face the consequences. Thank you for taking action to keep RFK Jr. out of HHS and protect our health!

Autistic Self Advocacy Network

PO Box 66122
Washington, DC 20035

 

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