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Congressman Alex Mooney Opposes OSHA Vaccine Mandate Rules

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, The Biden Administration announced private-sector vaccine mandate rules impacting over 100 million American workers. President Biden has ordered U.S. companies with 100 or more workers to ensure that their workers are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Jan. 4, 2022.

“I am strongly opposed to vaccine mandates. These restrictions are only going to make the labor shortage worse and put good people out of work,” said Congressman Mooney. “West Virginians deserve to have the freedom to decide whether to be vaccinated or not. Employees should be able to consult with their doctors and make the choice that is best for them, without having to worry about losing their jobs.”

“President Biden’s mandate to require all employees are fully vaccinated is a huge display of government overreach. This unprecedented mandate will have serious and adverse effects on our economy, and on the lives of hard-working Americans,” added Rep. Mooney.

Under this mandate, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will direct private-sector companies to require their workers are either fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or that they test negative for COVID-19 at least once a week. Employers must pay workers for the time it takes to get vaccinated and provide sick leave for workers to recover from any side effects. The rule does not require employers to pay for or provide testing to workers who decline the vaccine. Unvaccinated workers must also wear face coverings while on the job. Federal workers have until Nov. 22, 2021, to get the shots, while federal contractors have until Jan. 4, 2022.