Multiple Republican governors came to the defense of those who have refused to get vaccinated following President Joe Biden's address to the country announcing new federal steps to control the pandemic.
Biden announced that all employers with over 100 employees must require vaccination or require weekly COVID-19 testing of employees. Biden also announced all federal workers and contractors would need to be vaccinated. And Biden required all 17 million health care workers at facilities receiving federal funding would need to get vaccinated.
Some Republican governors quickly sided with the unvaccinated, even though over 75% of adults have already chosen to get vaccinated.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who generated controversy with the state's notorious anti-abortion law, said he was "protecting Texans' right to choose whether they get the COVID vaccine."
Biden\u2019s vaccine mandate is an assault on private businesses.\n\nI issued an Executive Order protecting Texans\u2019 right to choose whether they get the COVID vaccine & added it to the special session agenda.\n\nTexas is already working to halt this power grab.https://www.foxnews.com/politics/biden-set-to-announce-vaccine-mandate-or-weekly-testing-for-companies-with-more-than-100-employees\u00a0\u2026— Greg Abbott (@Greg Abbott) 1631229046
Oklahoma Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt vowed he would defy the mandates.
It is not the government\u2019s role to dictate to private businesses what to do.\n\nOnce again President Biden is demonstrating his complete disregard for individual freedoms and states\u2019 rights.\n\nAs long as I am governor, there will be no government vaccine mandates in Oklahoma.— Governor Kevin Stitt (@Governor Kevin Stitt) 1631223359
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves, who has one of the nation's lowest vaccination rates, said Biden's actions were "terrifying."
The President has no authority to require that Americans inject themselves because of their employment at a private business. The vaccine itself is life-saving, but this unconstitutional move is terrifying. This is still America, and we still believe in freedom from tyrants.— Tate Reeves (@Tate Reeves) 1631223585
Even though the pandemic is so bad in Idaho that hospitals are rationing care, Gov. Brad Little complained about "government overreach."
I still urge Idahoans to choose safe and effective ways to protect themselves from COVID-19 for the continued health and prosperity of the people of Idaho.— Brad Little (@Brad Little) 1631224892
Alabama GOP Gov. Kay Ivey called Biden's actions "outrageous."
Once again, @POTUS has missed the mark. His outrageous, overreaching mandates will no doubt be challenged in the courts. Read my full statement below. #alpoliticspic.twitter.com/9BNbvenVEJ— Governor Kay Ivey (@Governor Kay Ivey) 1631225894
Iowa Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds said she trusts that Iowans who have not gotten vaccinated have made the "best health decision for themselves and their families."
President Biden is taking dangerous and unprecedented steps to insert the federal government even further into our lives while dismissing the ability of Iowans and Americans to make healthcare decisions for themselves. (1/3)— Gov. Kim Reynolds (@Gov. Kim Reynolds) 1631222353
As I\u2019ve said all along, I believe and trust in Iowans to make the best health decisions for themselves and their families. It\u2019s time for President Biden to do the same. Enough is enough. (3/3/)— Gov. Kim Reynolds (@Gov. Kim Reynolds) 1631222384
Montana Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte said Biden's actions were "unlawful and un-American."
Arkansas GOP Gov. Asa Hutchinson said mandates were "not the right answer."
In response to President Biden\u2019s Covid-19 action plan:pic.twitter.com/550XsT704V— Gov. Asa Hutchinson (@Gov. Asa Hutchinson) 1631224198
Nebraska GOP Gov. Pete Ricketts said his state will "stand up to President Biden's overreach."
President Biden\u2019s announcement is a stunning violation of personal freedom and abuse of the federal government\u2019s power. This plan isn\u2019t about public health \u2013 this is about government control and taking away personal liberties.— Gov. Pete Ricketts (@Gov. Pete Ricketts) 1631224920
Nebraska will stand up to President Biden\u2019s overreach, and we will be working with the Attorney General to explore all our options.https://governor.nebraska.gov/press/gov-ricketts-president-biden%E2%80%99s-federal-overreach-stunning-violation-personal-freedom\u00a0\u2026— Gov. Pete Ricketts (@Gov. Pete Ricketts) 1631224922
Arizona Republican Gov. Doug Ducey:
This\u00a0dictatorial approach is wrong, un-American and will do far more harm than good. How many workers will be displaced? How many kids kept out of classrooms? How many businesses fined? The vaccine is and should be a choice. We must and will push back. 2/2— Doug Ducey (@Doug Ducey) 1631218792
