Red states begin announcing lawsuits to stop Biden's vaccine mandate
At least five states with Republican governors have announced lawsuits against President Joe Biden's vaccine mandate for large employers, which was finally issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration on Thursday.
OSHA released new rules today requiring companies with more than 100 employees to have their workers vaccinated or regularly tested for COVID-19 by Jan. 4. Businesses that do not comply may be fined up to $13,653 per violation.
Biden is requiring that unvaccinated employees also be forced to wear masks in the workplace. The president said that as many as 100 million Americans will be affected by his new requirements.
In response, Arizona, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, and Missouri have each announced plans to sue the Biden administration to halt the mandate. These states are challenging the new OSHA regulations on grounds that the federal government is overreaching and does not have the power to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for private-sector workers.
"When faceless government bureaucrats dictate what you must inject into your body, that's the furthest thing in the world from a safe workplace," Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich said in a news release. "The government doesn't get to be your nanny, and it's certainly not your doctor."
"This is not consistent with a government of limited and enumerated powers," Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said at a press conference announcing his state's lawsuit. "There is no general police power, there is no power to mandate on the American people from the federal government."
"Individuals should make informed choices about their own health care," he added. "They shouldn't be coerced into getting the jab."
"This is an overreach of the government's role in serving and protecting Hoosiers," Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb said in a statement. "While I agree that the vaccine is the tool that will best protect against COVID-19, this federal government approach is unprecedented and will bring about harmful, unintended consequences in the supply chain and the workforce."
"Biden's plan pits Americans against Americans, while forcing them to choose between making a living or standing up for their personal beliefs. Biden's actions will only worsen the existing workforce shortages and supply chain issues that hinder our economic recovery," Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds said in a statement announcing Iowa's lawsuit.
And Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt said: "The federal government does not have the authority to unilaterally force private employers to mandate their employees get vaccinated or foot the bill for weekly testing. I've been in discussions with businesses in Missouri, including a trailer manufacturing company in mid-Missouri, who say that this vaccine mandate will crush their business."
It's highly probable more states will announce lawsuits in the next few hours or days. A total of 24 states have previously threatened to sue OSHA's vaccine mandate, claiming it would exacerbate worker shortages in many industries as businesses will be forced to fire employees who do not want to be vaccinated.
Businesses, religious groups, and other organizations that fall under the administration's mandate are also expected to file lawsuits.
These legal challenges may delay enforcement of the OSHA rules, setting up a legal back-and-forth through the court system that may wind up before the Supreme Court.
So far, courts have upheld vaccine mandates issued by states. The Biden administration is prepared to defend the OSHA mandate as "well within" the administration's "broad authority" under federal law, according to Fox Business.
"The administration clearly has the authority to protect workers and actions announced by the president are designed to save lives and stop the spread of COVID," White House deputy press secretary Karine Jeane-Pierre said Thursday.
When asked about the potential legal challenges to Joe Biden's OSHA Vaccine Mandate, Jean-Pierre says that "the administration clearly has the authority" to issue the mandate.pic.twitter.com/pyk7d8Ttet
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) 1636054808
She said that vaccine mandates were a policy tool that has proven to work by convincing vaccine-hesitant Americans to get shots.
Horowitz: Where is the red-state sanctuary for American constitutional rights?
If blue states were able to successfully serve as sanctuaries for illegal alien sex offenders from federal law enforcement during Trump's presidency, why can't red states serve as a constitutional sanctuary for Americans losing their most basic human rights?
Americans in all 50 states are losing their livelihoods for not getting injected with a very questionable shot that no longer works; they are being refused proper treatment for a virus they didn't create; the federal government is hunting down anyone who was within earshot of the Capitol on Jan. 6; and the FBI are now threatening to treat anyone who protests critical race theory at school board meetings as terrorists.
On the other hand, Republicans control 23 trifectas, 19 of them with supermajorities in the legislatures. Where are they during this time of peril, and why have those states not become sanctuaries for Americans fleeing this era of totalitarianism? Why are red-state governors and legislatures completely missing in action during these dangerous times when our federal government, which controls corporate America, seems to have devolved back to pre-enlightenment governing principles? Why are they not holding one emergency session after another to redress our urgent grievances? Why are Texas-based companies like Southwest Airlines able to violate the Nuremberg Code with their inhumane mandates without the much-vaunted Texas GOP apparatus outlawing mandates or at least subjecting them to liability? Is anyone home? What is the breaking point that will actually draw a meaningful response from the so-called opposition?
Attorney General Merrick Garland announced on Monday that he is directing the FBI and federal prosecutors to meet with state and local law enforcement on how to combat what he referred to as "threats of violence" against school board officials by protesters of critical race theory.
"The Justice Department will also create specialized training and guidance for local school boards and school administrators," said Garland in a DOJ press release. "This training will help school board members and other potential victims understand the type of behavior that constitutes threats, how to report threatening conduct to the appropriate law enforcement agencies, and how to capture and preserve evidence of threatening conduct to aid in the investigation and prosecution of these crimes."
First, it's important to note that our adversaries are telling us exactly what they fear. They understand that the lynchpin to us winning back our freedom is by taking back our local governments, such as school boards. Which should motivate us even more to focus on the policies and elections at the local level more than congressional and presidential elections.
It's also noteworthy that the same people who couldn't care less about BLM burning down dozens of cities, illegal aliens organizing a stalking campaign against Senator Kyrsten Sinema, and violent cartels crashing our border are suddenly fearful of moms and dads protesting the teaching of racism in their schools.
However, the most important question we should all be asking is: Where are the GOP governors? This order should be dead on arrival in every red state. Within 24 hours of this announcement, every GOP governor should have issued an order barring all law enforcement from working with the feds to target First Amendment rights and peaceful Americans, especially at a time when this same administration is advocating the de-incarceration of violent criminals.
It's time conservatives demand more from their supposedly Republican officials. Every GOP governor, attorney general, and state legislative leadership team should coordinate across state lines to push back against federal tyranny on a myriad of issues. This is a more effective check and balance on this administration's behavior than Republicans winning back Congress, even if real Republicans actually secured positions of leadership. States are sovereign units of government and have the ability to stave off federal usurpations, especially when backed by the culture on the ground among the people. Just ask Trump how successful he was fighting California on sanctuary cities. Well, if it's good enough for illegal aliens, it should be good enough for Americans.
GOP governors vow to fight Biden's vaccine mandate 'to the gates of hell'
President Joe Biden is ushering in COVID-19 vaccine mandates for up to 100 million Americans. However, many Republican governors are vowing to fight back against the sweeping coronavirus vaccine mandate. At least 23 GOP governors denounced Biden's vaccine mandate.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis questioned the humanity of Biden's forced vaccinations.
"How could we get to the point in this country where you would not let them earn a living because of their choice on the vaccine?" DeSantis said. "I just think that's fundamentally wrong. I do not believe that people should lose their jobs over this issue, and we will fight that."
"How could we get to the point in this country where you would not let them earn a living because of their choice o… https://t.co/EC6R95pH7A
— Christina Pushaw (@ChristinaPushaw) 1631222250.0
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said the mandates are "an assault on private businesses" and pledged to "halt this power grab."
"Biden's vaccine mandate is an assault on private businesses," Abbott said. "I issued an Executive Order protecting Texans' right to choose whether they get the COVID vaccine & added it to the special session agenda. Texas is already working to halt this power grab."
Biden’s vaccine mandate is an assault on private businesses.I issued an Executive Order protecting Texans’ right… https://t.co/atwY5FuQeL
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) 1631229046.0
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem told Biden, "See you in court."
South Dakota will stand up to defend freedom. @JoeBiden see you in court.
— Governor Kristi Noem (@govkristinoem) 1631218458.0
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp proclaimed, "I will pursue every legal option available to the state of Georgia to stop this blatantly unlawful overreach by the Biden administration."
I will pursue every legal option available to the state of Georgia to stop this blatantly unlawful overreach by the Biden administration.
— Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) 1631222708.0
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey said Biden's vaccine mandates are "nonsense."
"President Biden has overreached with these new mandates, and we're united in fighting back," Ivey said on Friday. "I'm partnering alongside my conservative colleagues across the country in this fight. This is a fight for businesses, our hardworking men and women, and our American liberties."
"I encourage Alabamians to take the vaccine – have been since the beginning, but we're never going to mandate it," Ivey continued. "And we certainly aren't going to allow Washington, D.C., and this president to tell Alabama what to do. Here in Alabama, we don't put up with that nonsense."
Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon said the Biden administration's "unconstitutional overreach of executive power has no place in America. Not now, and not ever."
"The Biden Administration's announcement to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations or weekly testing for private businesses is an egregious example of big government overreach," Gordon stated. "Our Constitution was written and fought for to protect our liberties as American citizens."
"This administration's latest pronouncement demonstrates its complete disregard for the rule of law and the freedoms individuals and private companies enjoy under our Constitution," he tweeted. "In Wyoming, we believe that government must be held in check. I have asked the Attorney General to stand prepared to take all actions to oppose this administration's unconstitutional overreach of executive power. It has no place in America. Not now, and not ever."
The Biden Administration’s announcement to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations or weekly testing for private businesses i… https://t.co/4QU6gcGDd4
— Governor Mark Gordon (@GovernorGordon) 1631226025.0
I have asked the Attorney General to stand prepared to take all actions to oppose this administration’s unconstitut… https://t.co/0MukHPAeey
— Governor Mark Gordon (@GovernorGordon) 1631226026.0
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey also accused the Biden administration of overreach.
"This is exactly the kind of big government overreach we have tried so hard to prevent in Arizona — now the Biden-Harris administration is hammering down on private businesses and individual freedoms in an unprecedented and dangerous way," Ducey explained. "This will never stand up in court."
"This dictatorial approach is wrong, un-American and will do far more harm than good. How many workers will be displaced? How many kids kept out of classrooms? How many businesses fined? The vaccine is and should be a choice. We must and will push back," Ducey said.
This dictatorial approach is wrong, un-American and will do far more harm than good. How many workers will be displ… https://t.co/AjtEWeqxPw
— Doug Ducey (@dougducey) 1631218792.0
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee called the mandate a "power grab."
"'This is not about freedom' is a phrase that should never come out of a U.S. President's mouth," Lee said, quoting Biden's speech on Thursday.
"For a fight that requires working together, a lot of cynical and divisive edicts came out of the White House today pitting the vaccinated against the unvaccinated, businesses against employees, and the federal government against states," Lee added. "The Constitution won't allow this power grab, and in the meantime, I will stand up for all Tennesseans."
“This is not about freedom” is a phrase that should never come out of a U.S. President’s mouth.
— Gov. Bill Lee (@GovBillLee) 1631230295.0
Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts said his state will "stand up" and "explore all our options" with the attorney general.
"President Biden's announcement is a stunning violation of personal freedom and abuse of the federal government's power," Ricketts wrote. "This plan isn't about public health – this is about government control and taking away personal liberties."
"Americans, not the federal government, are responsible for taking charge of their personal health," he continued. "It is not the role of the federal government to mandate their choices. Nebraska will stand up…working with the Attorney General to explore all our options."
President Biden’s announcement is a stunning violation of personal freedom and abuse of the federal government’s po… https://t.co/Lu9gF1Tymj
— Gov. Pete Ricketts (@GovRicketts) 1631224920.0
Nebraska will stand up to President Biden’s overreach, and we will be working with the Attorney General to explore… https://t.co/XkLIDxBSKH
— Gov. Pete Ricketts (@GovRicketts) 1631224922.0
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster blasted Biden for turning the American dream into a nightmare.
"The American Dream has turned into a nightmare under President Biden and the radical Democrats," McMaster exclaimed. "They have declared war against capitalism, thumbed their noses at the Constitution, and empowered our enemies abroad."
"Rest assured, we will fight them to the gates of hell to protect the liberty and livelihood of every South Carolinian," he declared.
Rest assured, we will fight them to the gates of hell to protect the liberty and livelihood of every South Carolinian.
— Gov. Henry McMaster (@henrymcmaster) 1631221934.0
North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum said he is already discussing "options for mounting a legal challenge to President Biden's plan."
"We've reached out to the ND Attorney General to discuss options for mounting a legal challenge to President Biden's plan to impose a vaccine mandate on private businesses," Burgum said. "This gross federal overreach goes against everything I believe as a governor, business owner & American."
"The White House needs to be reminded that the states created the federal government, not the other way around, and we will always vigorously defend states' rights," he declared.
The White House needs to be reminded that the states created the federal government, not the other way around, and… https://t.co/fit0erSIkc
— Gov. Doug Burgum (@DougBurgum) 1631289273.0
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt said there will be no "government vaccine mandates" in his state.
"It is not the government's role to dictate to private businesses what to do," Stitt stated. "Once again President Biden is demonstrating his complete disregard for individual freedoms and states' rights."
"As long as I am governor, there will be no government vaccine mandates in Oklahoma," he proclaimed. "My administration will continue to defend Oklahoma values and fight back against the Biden administration's federal overreach."
My administration will continue to defend Oklahoma values and fight back against the Biden administration’s federal overreach.
— Governor Kevin Stitt (@GovStitt) 1631223360.0
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson promised to fight back against the federal government.
"Vaccination protects us from serious illness, but the decision to get vaccinated is a private health care decision that should remain as such," Parson stated. "My administration will always fight back against federal power grabs and government overreach that threatens to limit our freedoms."
Vaccination protects us from serious illness, but the decision to get vaccinated is a private health care decision… https://t.co/VMFEhpCakn
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) 1631225871.0
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine wrote, "I think the President made a mistake by announcing federal vaccine mandates. We should be focused on the science of preventing virus spread - the vaccine is our best tool to stop COVID - but people and business owners should make their own decisions about vaccination."
I think the President made a mistake by announcing federal vaccine mandates. We should be focused on the science of… https://t.co/cye9KrVVLS
— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) 1631291315.0
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves said Biden's "unconstitutional move is terrifying."
"The President has no authority to require that Americans inject themselves because of their employment at a private business," Reeves said. "The vaccine itself is life-saving, but this unconstitutional move is terrifying. This is still America, and we still believe in freedom from tyrants."
The President has no authority to require that Americans inject themselves because of their employment at a private… https://t.co/8TE96tzAQX
— Tate Reeves (@tatereeves) 1631223585.0
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds said Americans need to do what's best for them, and Biden's order will worsen the workforce shortage.
"President Biden is taking dangerous and unprecedented steps to insert the federal government even further into our lives while dismissing the ability of Iowans and Americans to make healthcare decisions for themselves," Reynolds declared. "Biden's plan will only worsen our workforce shortage and further limit our economic recovery."
"As I've said all along, I believe and trust in Iowans to make the best health decisions for themselves and their families," she continued. "It's time for President Biden to do the same. Enough is enough."
President Biden is taking dangerous and unprecedented steps to insert the federal government even further into our… https://t.co/1tyXUbbycl
— Gov. Kim Reynolds (@IAGovernor) 1631222353.0
As I’ve said all along, I believe and trust in Iowans to make the best health decisions for themselves and their fa… https://t.co/7m9IhNpsU3
— Gov. Kim Reynolds (@IAGovernor) 1631222384.0
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb pushed back against Biden's vaccine mandate.
"I believe the vaccine is the no. 1 tool that will protect us & our loved ones against COVID-19. It's the tool that will end the pandemic," Holcome began his tweet thread. "However, I strongly believe it's not the state or federal government's role to issue a vaccine mandate upon citizens & private businesses. This is the approach our administration has taken all along."
"The announcement from President Biden is a bridge too far. Private businesses should be able to look at their own mission, their staff & their goals & make the decision best for them that will keep their doors open," he said. "I believe it is fundamentally a citizen's right to choose whether or not to get the vaccine. While I wish everyone would get the vaccine, we are a country built on this exact type of freedom."
I believe the vaccine is the no. 1 tool that will protect us & our loved ones against COVID-19. It's the tool that… https://t.co/HFINyVkE7y
— Governor Eric Holcomb (@GovHolcomb) 1631288011.0
Idaho Gov. Brad Little issued a statement, "Today's actions from President Biden amount to government overreach. Government should stay out of decisions involving employers and their employees as much as possible. I've advocated for and championed fewer government regulations and mandates on business."
I still urge Idahoans to choose safe and effective ways to protect themselves from COVID-19 for the continued healt… https://t.co/85UVT70OTB
— Brad Little (@GovernorLittle) 1631224892.0
Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte slammed the vaccine mandate, "President Biden's vaccination mandate is unlawful and un-American. We are committed to protecting Montanans' freedoms and liberties against this gross federal overreach."
President Biden’s vaccination mandate is unlawful and un-American. We are committed to protecting Montanans’ freedo… https://t.co/28VFvCxPwR
— Governor Greg Gianforte (@GovGianforte) 1631223557.0
Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson issued a statement against the order.
"I have been consistent in the freedom of businesses to require their employees to be vaccinated, and I have opposed the government from saying businesses cannot exercise that freedom," Hutchinson noted. "The same principle should protect the private sector from government overreach that requires them to vaccinate all employees."
In response to President Biden’s Covid-19 action plan: https://t.co/550XsT704V
— Gov. Asa Hutchinson (@AsaHutchinson) 1631224198.0
Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy called to remove Biden via the 25th Amendment.
"This is ridiculous and unenforceable. If there was ever a case for the 25th Amendment…," Dunleavy suggested.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox reacted by saying, "Getting vaccinated is the single most important thing people can do right now to protect ourselves and our community and reduce the spread of the Delta variant. While we support efforts that encourage vaccinations, we have serious concerns about the legality of the order."
West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice stated, "I absolutely think that that is wrong. I am absolutely not in support of doing that in any way in the state of West Virginia."
Horowitz: Governors have an obligation to rescind deployment of National Guard
When our border was under assault by the drug cartels and human smugglers, the entire political class, media, and governors opposed the deployment of the National Guard to defend the sovereignty of the union. When cities were burning out of control night after night, they opposed using the military to stanch the bleeding in the streets. Now, these same people seem OK with 25,000 troops being paraded around in D.C. and in some state capitals with no end in sight. Worse, the military is being purged of "far-right extremists," and it wouldn't be surprising to learn that that encompasses all Trump supporters.
Where is this coming from, and where is this headed? That is the question all GOP governors should be asking – a question that should prompt them to immediately rescind the deployment order.
Why are we suddenly "vetting" our own soldiers in order to perform a "mission" in a way that appears to be an ideological litmus test? How long will these soldiers remain? These are the questions governors must ask before they sign off on indefinite deployment of their state's Guard.
"These are vetting efforts that identify any questionable behavior in the past, or any potential link to questionable behavior, not just related to extremism ... we're not asking questions right now," said Jonathan Hoffman, assistant to the secretary of defense for public affairs. He noted that they are not even asking questions, but "out of abundance of caution taking action and immediately removing them from the line," in describing the purging of people while looking at their history and social media.
.@chiefpentspox on National Guard individuals removed from their duties: "These are vetting efforts that identify a… https://t.co/BOzrmJ6DMZ— CSPAN (@CSPAN)1611086902.0
And as has been the case throughout the COVID restrictions, they are encouraging fellow Guard members to report one another.
Objectively speaking, what does this look like to you? Where have we seen this throughout history?
Put another way, can you imagine if these comments were made and these actions taken in support of Trump's inauguration four years ago?
What is going on today is as shocking as it is chilling. What is even more shocking is the silence from most GOP governors who sent national guardsman to D.C. Texas Governor Greg Abbott expressed concern about the ideological litmus test, but only threatened to cut off cooperation in the future. He needs to go a step farther and commit to cutting off soldiers now until the purge stops and until there is a timeline and a justification given for keeping the soldiers there.
The thousands of people pouring over our border in 2019 were unmistakable. Plus, protecting our border is what our Founders had in mind as the purview of the military. Yet, the New Mexico governor pulled the National Guard from her own border with Mexico while facing a crisis of human and drug smuggling and is now sending them to D.C. for Biden's military junta.
Keeping soldiers in our cities with no prima facie violence occurring anywhere is a recipe for a military junta-style government, absent the feds sharing legitimate intelligence with these governors justifying these unprecedented moves.
The purging is not just about taking these soldiers off this particular mission. It's inconceivable that once they are flagged for concern and disqualified from duty at the inauguration (and beyond?), this will not be a black mark on their careers forever. Governors need to stand up for their guardsmen.
“We no get inbolbed in powitico dings”#WERMACHT #COWARDS https://t.co/3an48ZO3XV— Rich Higgins (@Rich Higgins)1611092599.0
Two weeks after the Capitol attack with zero evidence of any residual violence on the streets, why is D.C. a military zone and why are some state capitals following suit? Just this Monday, 11 NYPD officers were injured in a Black Lives Matter riot, yet the American people haven't even heard about it. When BLM was burning D.C. night after night, and after 60 Secret Service agents were injured at an attack near the White House, Pelosi lambasted Trump for using the military, even though he only used it when the violence was out of control.
"We are concerned about the increased militarization and lack of clarity that may increase chaos. I am writing to request a full list of the agencies involved and clarifications of the roles and responsibilities of the troops and federal law enforcement resources operating in the city," Pelosi wrote in a letter to President Trump on June 4, 2020. "Congress and the American people need to know who is in charge, what is the chain of command, what is the mission, and by what authority is the National Guard from other states operating in the capital."
Joe Biden accused Trump of "preening and sweeping away all the guardrails that have long protected our democracy."
Which guardrails? Military loyalty to one party? Full censorship of any opposition? Banning protests and access to elected officials? Muzzling us with masks and lockdowns?
Now that the military is being used in greater numbers without clarity of a time limit for a speculative threat that is not evident on the streets – and they are engaging in the most comprehensive vetting of soldiers ever – why aren't Republican governors raising similar concerns? Mitt Romney criticized Trump for using the military when D.C. was on fire. Where is he now?
Ultimately, it is up to the governors to put an end to this charade. Every one of them needs to ask what they would do if Trump had surrounded himself with 25,000 troops and destroyed the military careers of anyone who supported Hillary Clinton.
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