Earlier this year, I made the decision to get my COVID vaccine after speaking with my doctor. The rest of my family followed suit, and I have repeatedly encouraged anyone who has questions about the vaccine or is unsure to speak with his or her doctor. I strongly believe the vaccine is the best tool we have to put this pandemic behind us, but I adamantly oppose ANY efforts by President Biden’s administration to force the vaccine on Americans. The decision to get vaccinated should be left up to the individual, and I respect everyone’s decision whether or not to get vaccinated.

Unfortunately, the Biden administration does not share my views on personal freedom and personal liberty. Recently, President Biden has been waging war on the American worker by trying to force businesses to require vaccines for their employees. This is un-American, and I am doing all I can to hold this administration accountable.

I am proud to have recently co-sponsored legislation to prevent the Secretary of Labor from using emergency rule powers to require employers to mandate vaccines, medicines, or medical procedures such as COVID testing for employees. The Health Freedom for All Act also states that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) does not have any authority to force medical procedures, vaccines, or tests on any Americans.

If you’ve flown somewhere recently, eaten at a restaurant or been to a grocery store, you’ve likely noticed staffing shortages and supply shortages everywhere. I’ve seen countless restaurants with signs posted to apologize for delays because there are labor shortages, and I have folks calling my office every single day worried they are going to lose their job if they do not want to have a vaccine forced upon them. The hardworking men and women all across my district and this nation deserve better than this and they should have the freedom to choose for themselves, rather than have something mandated by the federal government.

I spent a lifetime creating and running small businesses, so I understand just how hard it is sometimes to make ends meet, keep workers paid, and grow your business. The last thing any business owner needs is more mandates and more regulations from the federal government. We are already struggling to get folks back to work and so many businesses are doing their best to stay afloat, but President Biden seems determined to cripple American businesses and wage war on the American worker. I’m sick and tired of it, and I will keep doing all I can to stop and prevent any more ridiculous mandates from the Biden administration.

Jerry Carl represents Alabama’s First Congressional District. He lives in Mobile with his wife Tina.