The all GOP House Freedom Caucus pressed Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to deny funding to the executive branch over vaccine mandates implemented through President Biden’s executive orders.
In a letter dated November 16, caucus members wrote that the Biden administration has “issued multiple executive orders” that mandate vaccinations under threat of “retribution,” which they allege will result in lost jobs and endanger Americans.
“No Member of Congress exercising their authority to control the “power of the purse” under Article I of the Constitution of the United States should vote to fund an Executive Branch that is requiring unconstitutional vaccine mandates on American citizens in the private sector, or foolishly and wrongheadedly mandating the COVID-19 vaccination of government personnel,” the letter urged.
The lawmakers explained their belief that federal vaccine mandates would divide the nation further and cause harm to national security, citing the example of members of the military that have chosen to buck the vaccination requirements instituted by the Department of Defense.
“It is absurd to threaten to discharge – honorably or dishonorably – anyone in our military for making that choice,” the letter read.
They also worry that the federal mandates will cause a shortage of Customs and Border Patrol agents during the southern border crisis, along with the loss of law enforcement officials, and federal contractors across a number of industries.
“Moreover, at a time when our nation’s supply chains are at a breaking point, and our nation is suffering a labor shortage, reports have indicated that 72% of unvaccinated workers vow to quit if ordered to get vaccinated – a number that includes truckers, firefighters, police officers, and healthcare workers,” they continued.
The Freedom Caucus detailed how healthcare systems would be impacted by staff shortages, and nursing home facilities might be forced to shutdown due to a lack of available trained professionals.
“Where do patients go when they can no longer use the facilities that have long served them and are the only ones available in their community?” They asked Pelosi.
The 30 members of the caucus want Congress to oppose the mandates and advised that they will not vote for a continuing resolution, or any other government funding legislation, while vaccine mandates are still in place.
