This week, U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., introduced a proposal “to nullify the upcoming COVID-19 vaccine passport mandate in Washington, D.C.”
Gaetz introduced the proposal on Wednesday and his office offered some insight as to why he was championing the bill.
“This bill serves as a direct response to D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s unconstitutional order for businesses and other establishments to enforce proof of vaccination for entry beginning on January 15, 2022,” Gaetz’s office noted.
Almost 20 Republicans co-sponsored the proposal including U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert of Colorado, Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia and Thomas Massie of Kentucky.
Last month Bowser issued an order “adopting COVID-19 vaccination requirements for patrons of certain types of establishments in Washington, DC” including restaurants and gyms though the order does not pertain to employees of those businesses.
“Beginning Saturday, January 15, 2022, at 6 am, certain establishments will be required to verify that patrons ages 12 and older have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine,” Bowser’s office noted.
“We do know that mandates have the ability to move people who are not vaccinated to become vaccinated,” Bowser told the media last month. “We know that is a huge public health benefit.”
Gaetz’s bill was sent to the U.S. House Oversight and Reform Committee. So far, there is no companion measure in the U.S. Senate. With Democrats controlling both chambers on Capitol Hill, the bill is not expected to pass.
