Biden to GOP governors planning vaccine mandate lawsuits: 'Have at it'
By Alex Gangitano and Morgan Chalfant - 09/10/21 11:34 AM EDT
President Biden on Friday dismissed arguments from Republicans that his administration’s new vaccine requirements amount to federal overreach and said some GOP governors are being “cavalier” with the health of their constituents.
Asked about opponents vowing to challenge the new vaccination measures, Biden replied: “Have at it.”
“I am so disappointed that particularly some Republican governors have been so cavalier with the health of these kids, so cavalier with the health of their communities,” Biden said during an appearance at a Washington, D.C., school. “We’re playing for real here, and this isn’t a game, and I don’t know of any scientist out there in this field that doesn’t think it makes considerable sense to do the six things I’ve suggested.”
The president did not name any Republican governors, though Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey and Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp are among those promising to sue over a new administration rule that says businesses with more than 100 employees must require employees be vaccinated. Biden on Thursday also announced a requirement that most federal workers be vaccinated.
The president has previously criticized governors including Abbott and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) for blocking mask mandates in schools. During Thursday's speech from the White House, Biden vowed to use his power as president to get governors "out of the way" if they won’t help beat the pandemic.
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https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/571684-biden-to-gop-governors-planning-vaccine-mandate-lawsuits-have-at-it