Shelby lauds Senate vote to block OSHA COVID-19 vaccine mandate, says edict ‘violates our constitutional liberties’

(Richard Shelby/Facebook, YHN)

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

Recent in Politics

Alabama’s two U.S. senators are backing new bipartisan legislation aimed at increasing transparency in the prescription drug supply chain by requiring country-of-origin labeling on medications and their key ingredients. U.S. Sens. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) and Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) have joined colleagues in introducing the Consumer Labeling for Enhanced API Reporting and Legitimate Accountability for Base […]

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall is asking for more Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to come down to the Yellowhammer State. Marshall is asking for the Trump administration’s help to enforce the law after an illegal immigrant was arrested in connection with the disappearance of a mother and two of her children. Democrats won’t […]