WASHINGTON — The Senate has voted to overturn President Biden’s vaccine mandate on businesses.
he president’s executive order requires businesses with at least 100 workers to mandate COVID shots for their employees. Several states have sued over the mandate which promoted the courts to intervene and block the mandate for now while its constitutionality is put under the microscope.
Sen Mike Braun (R-IN) has been leading an effort in Congress to use the Congressional Review Act to overturn the president’s executive order.
“Vaccines are miracles,” Braun said on the Senate floor before the vote was taken. “But, getting vaccinated should be a decision between the individual and his or her doctor. The federal government has no authority to make anybody choose between getting a vaccine and keeping their job.”
The Senate voted 52-48 to nullify the mandate. Two Democrats, Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT), broke ranks to side with Republicans.
“It shouldn’t be up to any politician, especially in a mandate coming down from our highest authority, the president,” Braun added. “(Biden) said he’d never make the vaccine mandatory. He didn’t keep his word.”
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) was among those who were outspoken against the effort to end the mandate. At one point during debate on the Senate floor, he likened the effort to those who believe the Earth is flat.
The White House said in a statement before the vote that it “makes no sense for Congress to reverse this much-needed protection of our workforce.” The resolution will now be considered by the U.S. House where it faces an uncertain future.
