The U.S. Senate on Wednesday night voted to overturn President Joe Biden’s private employer COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
The “Congressional Review Act” (CRA), sponsored by U.S. Sen. Mike Braun (R-IN), passed the upper chamber by a vote of 52-48. Senate Republicans were joined by U.S. Sens. Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Jon Tester (D-MT) in voting for the legislation.
The mandate, issued by Biden through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), last month was met with a temporary injunction by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. The rule requires businesses that employ more than 100 individuals to force vaccination upon their employees or subject them to weekly virus testing.
U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby (R-AL) issued a statement applauding the body’s move to overturn the mandate, which he contended was a prime example of “federal overreach.”
“As I’ve said before, President Biden’s vaccine mandate violates our constitutional liberties and is federal overreach at its finest,” advised Shelby. “Today I was proud to vote for Senator Braun’s CRA to overturn that mandate. While I urge people to consult with their doctor about getting vaccinated, I believe our individual freedoms and rights are of the utmost importance.”
According to Shelby’s senate office, the CRA would serve to expedite the process for Congress to consider a joint resolution to rescind the OSHA rule.
The measure now heads to the U.S. House of Representatives, where it is likely to be met with opposition from the Democratic majority.
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
Don’t miss out! Subscribe today to have Alabama’s leading headlines delivered to your inbox.