Biden Administration Withdraws Emergency Covid-19 Vaccine Mandate After Supreme Court Blocks Rule
Administration Cites Court's Decision, Employers Express Relief
Growing Pressure from Congressional Democrats
The Biden administration has withdrawn its Covid-19 vaccine-or-test requirement for large employers, citing the Supreme Court's recent decision to block the rule.
The mandate, issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), was intended to protect workers from the virus. However, the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 in January that the administration did not have the authority to issue such a rule.
In a statement, the Biden administration said it was "deeply disappointed" by the Supreme Court's decision. However, it said it would "continue to use all of its authority to protect workers from the pandemic."
Employers expressed relief at the withdrawal of the mandate. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce said the rule had been "unworkable and unfair." The National Federation of Independent Business said it was "a victory for small businesses."
Meanwhile, a growing number of congressional Democrats are calling on President Joe Biden to end his reelection bid following the Supreme Court's decision and the administration's disastrous handling of the pandemic.
Conclusion
The withdrawal of the Covid-19 vaccine-or-test mandate is a major setback for the Biden administration's efforts to control the pandemic. It also puts the president under increasing pressure from within his own party as he considers whether to run for a second term.
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