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Progressive Group Ramps Up Campaign to Block RFK Jr.’s HHS Nomination

A progressive group has launched a $250,000 ad campaign opposing Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s HHS nomination, citing his anti-vaccine activism.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is President-elect Donald Trump’s choice to lead HHS. | Jon Cherry/Getty Images

A progressive nonprofit is intensifying its efforts to prevent Robert F. Kennedy Jr. from becoming Secretary of Health and Human Services, sparking national debate over his controversial vaccine views.

$250,000 Ad Campaign Targets Key Senators

314 Action, a nonprofit advocating for science-driven leadership, has launched a $250,000 digital ad campaign targeting senators from nine states. The ads aim to highlight Kennedy’s controversial history as an anti-vaccine activist, particularly his alleged link to a 2019 measles outbreak in Samoa that resulted in over 80 deaths.

This campaign follows a press conference earlier this month where 314 Action’s president, Shaughnessy Naughton, joined Democratic doctors to condemn Kennedy’s nomination.

The ads are now running in Alaska, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, North Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, and Utah, focusing on influential senators, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee Chair Bill Cassidy (R-La.).

Influential Voices Oppose Kennedy’s Nomination

Prominent figures such as billionaire Michael Bloomberg have also voiced concerns. Bloomberg called Kennedy’s nomination “beyond dangerous” and compared it to “medical malpractice on a mass scale.” Bloomberg has supported 314 Action through significant donations, alongside other notable contributors like financier Robert Granieri and Sesame Street creator Joan Ganz Cooney.

Senators React to Kennedy’s Vaccine Stance

Despite the controversy, some senators appear less concerned. For example, Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) stated Kennedy supports providing more vaccine information, while John Cornyn (R-Texas) described him as “pro-safety” rather than anti-vaccine.

However, Kennedy’s confirmation faces significant hurdles. He can only afford to lose three Republican votes if all Democrats oppose him. Democratic Senators Patty Murray and Tim Kaine have already urged colleagues to reject his nomination, citing concerns over his vaccine-related views.

Kennedy Defends His Position

Kennedy has repeatedly defended himself, stating he does not plan to ban vaccines but instead seeks to ensure public access to comprehensive safety information.

314 Action’s Broader Message

Naughton emphasized the stakes, stating, “Imagine the damage he can do from the White House as the head of the health agencies.” The group remains committed to pressuring senators to block Kennedy’s confirmation and maintain trust in public health policies.

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