Senator James Lankford (R-OK) Tuesday introduced legislation — the Stop Vaccine Mandates Act (S 2879) — to repeal President Biden’s Executive Order which mandates vaccines for federal employees and federal contractors.
“President Biden’s Executive Order excessively exceeded his power,” Lankford said. “Every American should be able to make the decisions that are best for them and their families. My family made the choice to get the vaccine and I encourage every Oklahoman to get vaccinated, but no American should be forced to be vaccinated. The Stop Vaccine Mandates Act rescinds Biden’s Executive Orders—no American should have to choose between their conscience, their health, and their job.”
On Sept. 20, Lankford sent a letter to President Biden outlining his concerns with the vaccine mandates. “The Administration’s actions severely undercut Americans’ liberty to weigh their options and make the best decisions for themselves and their families,” Lankford wrote. “The majority of Americans have already chosen to be vaccinated, including 82.5 percent of those age 65 and older. Your one-size-fits-all policy is unnecessary and places millions of Americans in the previously unthinkable position of choosing between their conscience, their health, and their job. I implore you to reform your rhetoric and revise your policies.”
Lankdford also asked the president what legal authority the administration has to mandate private sector employers require their employees to be vaccinated and to change the terms of employment for federal workers by mandating they be vaccinated.
The full text of Lanksford’s letter is here (PDF).
Companion legislation to the proposed Senate bill was introduced in the House on Sept. 24 (HR 5360) by Representative Andy Biggs (R-AZ).
