Last week, U.S. Rep. Dan Webster, R-Fla., introduced a proposal to “ban federal vaccine passports and quarantine requirements for travel.”
Webster brought out the “SAFER Travel Act” with almost a dozen co-sponsors. U.S. Rep. Sam Graves, R-Mo., is the main co-sponsor while other backers include Florida Republican U.S. Reps. Matt Gaetz, Brian Mast and Bill Posey.
When he brought out the bill, Webster’s office offered some of the reasons behind the proposal.
“The science and data are clear, the vast majority of Americans have received a COVID-19 vaccine or have natural immunity from previous infection. Those vaccinated can contract and spread COVID-19 making mandates completely nonsensical,” Webster’s office insisted. “Earlier this month, the CDC and White House officials announced additional restrictions on Americans traveling domestically and abroad were possible, including additional testing and quarantines. Travel restrictions and mandates continue to be considered without any consideration or accountability for the emotional and physical ramifications on families and individuals’ mental health. Drug overdose deaths hit a record high from May 2020 – April 2021.”
“President Biden, his administration and Democrats in Congress are out of control as they continue to push more mandates and restrictions on the American people,” said Webster. “This is not about science or public health; this is fearmongering to maintain control and it has to stop. This bill protects the privacy and personal freedoms of American citizens to make healthcare decisions in consultation with their doctor – not because of demands by Washington politicians or bureaucrats. I will continue to work with my colleagues to defend the freedoms of the American people.”
“You shouldn’t need a vaccine passport to get on a train, board a plane, or travel home for the holidays,” said Graves who leads Republicans on the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. “This bill would put that terrible idea to bed once and for all. The vaccines have proven to be the safest and most effective tool we have against preventing COVID-19, but the federal government has no business mandating them for travel, work, or anything else. It’s a personal decision and it needs to stay that way.”
The bill was sent to the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Committee which sent it to four subcommittees. The bill is not expected to garner much momentum with Democrats controlling both chambers on Capitol Hill. So far, there is no companion measure over in the U.S. Senate.
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