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Vaccination

Congressional Republicans Push to Repeal Biden's Vaccine Mandates

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Congressional Republicans have intensified their efforts to repeal President Joe Biden's vaccine and testing mandates, with a Senate vote planned to unwind policies seen as critical to combating the coronavirus. The move mirrors earlier battles over business closures, mask mandates, and other government measures to slow the contagion. Republicans argue that the requirements are unwarranted and unconstitutional, putting Americans' jobs at risk.

Key Takeaways:

  • A planned Senate vote aims to repeal the Biden administration's rules requiring vaccination or comprehensive coronavirus testing for large private businesses.
  • The effort, led by Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.), hinges on a congressional process allowing lawmakers to review and revoke federal agency regulations.
  • Some Democrats, including Sen. Joe Manchin (W-Va.), have joined the GOP in trying to scrap the mandates, broadening support for the repeal.
  • The repeal still faces an uphill battle in the House and would see a certain veto if it reaches Biden's desk.
  • Another group of GOP lawmakers, led by Sen. Roger Marshall of Kansas, is preparing a second measure to scrap Biden's vaccine mandate for medical professionals.
  • Marshall supports vaccination but believes the government should not require it in the private sector.
  • Many Democrats have blasted the vote as irresponsible, with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) likening it to those who insist the Earth is flat.
  • The Senate debate contrasts with news earlier in the day, as vaccine makers Pfizer and BioNTech found that shots and boosters may be critical to halting the spread of the new omicron variant of the pathogen.
  • Republicans insist they are not taking an anti-vaccine stance, with Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) saying he is "pro-vaccine, but I'm anti-mandate."

Statistics:

  • 25 million Americans would be affected by the private sector requirements, prompting just under half to get vaccinated by March, according to analysis from Goldman Sachs.
  • 1 in 10 Americans are unvaccinated, with the vaccines reducing the risk of serious illness and death, though breakthrough infections are possible.
  • 95% of those hospitalized for COVID-19 are unvaccinated, according to a recent study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
  • People who are fully vaccinated are roughly one-tenth as likely to be hospitalized and even less likely to die from COVID-19 compared with those who are unvaccinated.

Sources:

  • The Washington Post's article: "Here's what you need to know about the federal coronavirus vaccine mandates" (18 November 2021).
  • The Washington Post's article: "Senate votes to repeal vaccine mandate, but it's unlikely to become law" (17 February 2022).
  • Goldman Sachs analysis: "The impact of vaccine mandates on the labor market" (September 2021).
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study: "COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine-related injuries" (February 2022).
  • White House statement: "Statement of Administration Policy: Repeal of Vaccine Mandates" (17 February 2022).

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