Megan Udinski, FISM News
Republican legislators announced new legislation entitled Keeping our COVID-19 Heroes Employed Act, in an effort to protect the rights of essential employees who worked tirelessly throughout the early stages of the pandemic.
In the midst of a supply chain shortage and increasing unemployment rates, the federal vaccine mandate is exacerbating the economic crisis that is currently facing the U.S. This bill is the GOPs next attempt to keep the Biden administration in check while also celebrating those who served the American people by working when everyone else was told to stay home.
This action is spearheaded by Sen. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee who reiterated her belief that vaccines should be an individual’s choice when introducing the bill:
For over 18 months, essential workers showed up to serve and protect their communities. Businesses across the country are desperate for workers and we are in the midst of a supply chain crisis. There are more than 10.4 million open jobs across the country, and now President Biden wants to fire even more workers. Getting vaccinated is a choice that should be made between a patient and their doctor. No one should be forced by Joe Biden to be fired or get jabbed.
In addition to Blackburn, Republican Senators Jim Inhofe (Okla.), Cynthia Lummis (Wyo.), Bill Hagerty (Tenn.), Mike Braun (Ind.), Tommy Tuberville (Ala.), Ron Johnson (Wisc.), and Roger Marshall (Kan.) are all backing the bill.
Senator Mike Braun tweeted his support of this effort.
Everyone is afraid of the oppressive mandates the Biden administration may impose on the American workforce.
I'm proud to join @MarshaBlackburn on her bill protecting essential workers. pic.twitter.com/zBx87kqIxF
— Senator Mike Braun (@SenatorBraun) October 28, 2021
Congressman Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) released a statement that he is working on the House version of this bill. He said, “Congress needs to step in, because it’s clear this administration does not care that the Biden vaccine mandate is forcing our COVID-19 heroes out of their jobs. I am working on the House companion to Sen. Blackburn’s legislation, and I am thankful for her leadership on this important issue.”
Several organizations representing these essential workers have endorsed this legislation as well, including the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, National Border Patrol Council, Chicago Fraternal Order of Police, the National Sheriffs’ Association and National Association of Small Trucking Companies.
The national president of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, Larry Cosme expressed his support saying, “We trusted these essential workers to make critical decisions to protect their communities during the pandemic response. We should trust them to make their own medical decisions now.”
As the deadlines approach for federal employees to be fully vaccinated, many individuals are being forced decide between “job or jab.” This legislation provides hope for those essential workers who now face unfair termination and will hopefully prevent greater economic chaos for the American people in general.