More than a dozen Republican lawmakers are joining forces to sue the Biden administration over its federally imposed vaccine mandates. The new edict stipulates that all employees of businesses with 100 or more workers must get vaccinated by Jan. 4.
In a joint petition to the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, attorneys general from several states argue that, “The federal government lacks constitutional authority under its enumerated powers to issue this mandate.” One point of contention is that the mandate attempts to usurp state independence, “And its attempt to do so unconstitutionally infringes on the State’s powers expressly reserved by the 10th Amendment.”
A clause within the Biden mandate orders companies to test for coronavirus on a weekly basis if they do not mandate vaccines. Even still, opposition from state elected officials remain strong.
“From the very beginning, I’ve told President Biden that I would defend the freedom of the people of South Dakota,” said South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem. Rising to national popularity for her line in the sand against Biden’s Covid restrictions, Noem said, “And that if he took this action, that we would see him in court.”
Additionally, Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas, waited little time before leading a lawsuit against the Biden administration. “Today Texas sued the Biden administration to overturn the illegal vaccine mandate it is trying to impose on Americans,” tweeted Abbott.
Attorneys general of seven other states petitioned the federal government to block the mandates as well. The listed states have asked for a final verdict no later than Nov. 12, 2021. This will give the petitioner states enough time to seek relief from the Supreme Court should the Circuit Court of Appeals rule unfavorably.
Moreover, the state of Arizona is among those suing the Biden administration. “When faceless government bureaucrats dictate what you must inject into your body, that’s the furthest thing from a safe workplace,” said Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich.
The state of Florida has also joined the ranks in taking the Biden administration to court. Prior to the lawsuit, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis called for a special session of the state’s legislature to outlaw vaccine mandates. The session is set to convene Nov. 15.
In September, 24 Republican attorneys general addressed the Biden administration in a joint letter urging the president to forego his plan to mandate vaccines.
“We the Attorney’s General of 24 states, write in opposition of your attempt to mandate the vaccination of private citizens,” reads the letter.
Top judicial officials ranging from Florida to Alaska labeled the mandate a “threat to liberty,” and a danger to public health “that will displace vulnerable workers and exacerbate a nationwide hospital staffing crisis.”
Companies have until Jan. 4, 2022, to comply with the federal mandate or face steep financial penalties – unless the courts and state lawmakers successfully intervene.
