This Tuesday, the House of Representatives passed two bills related to the public health emergency related to the coronavirus. This, despite the fact that the President had already made it clear that he opposed both legislative proposals.
The first bill that would officially end the pandemic emergency passed with all Republicans in favor and all Democrats opposed.
"The extended covid-19 lockdowns, like the ones we saw in my home state of New York caused irreparable damage to our children’s development, financial strain on our small businesses and unnecessary deaths among our most vulnerable seniors," opined Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik.
The Pandemic is Over Act has already moved our country forward.
Now, it's critical for the House to pass this bill today to ensure Congress has a vehicle to take its authority back and a way to hold President Biden accountable for ending the COVID-19 public health emergency. pic.twitter.com/RNgYDr5a2o
— Rep. Brett Guthrie (@RepGuthrie) January 31, 2023
The second bill that would repeal the vaccination mandate for people who work in health care institutions that receive federal funds was approved with the support of all Republicans and seven members of the blue party who even went against their leaders.
It is worth noting that the White House has acknowledged that the threat from the coronavirus is no longer what it "once was," nevertheless, Joe Biden said he would once again extend the health emergency until May 11.
"It makes no sense for Congress to reverse this protection for vulnerable patients, as well as our health care workers who have given so much to protect us," the White House said.
However, Republicans believe that now is the time to move forward, allow the country to return to normalcy and thus assist in restoring the economy.
Isn’t it funny how Biden declared the COVID-19 pandemic over 4 months ago, and yet, the federal public health emergency is still in place today? Makes you wonder whether this ‘emergency’ declaration was really about public health or ripping off American taxpayers by the BILLIONS. pic.twitter.com/5ywZd8fWsM
— Rep. Cammack Press Office (@RepKatCammack) January 31, 2023
"Mr. President, , you know it’s the right thing to do. Don’t wait until May. Let’s open our country back up again, get our economy back up again," said Rep. Steve Scalise.
"It’s time to restore freedom to the American people, so the American people—not the government—can make the best decisions for themselves and their familiess," Rep. Aaron Bean also opined.
Now after the passage of the bills in the House of Representatives, the legislative proposal will go to the Senate, where it is unlikely to advance due to the Democrats, but if it still manages to advance it will require the approval of the White House.
