Freedom from Mandates Act
Freedom from Mandates Act
Plain Language Summary
# Freedom from Mandates Act Summary **What it does:** This bill would overturn two COVID-19 executive orders from President Biden and prevent federal agencies from enforcing vaccine mandates. Specifically, it would nullify orders requiring federal contractors and federal employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The bill would also prohibit the Department of Labor from creating rules that require private employers to mandate COVID-19 vaccination or testing, and prevent the Department of Health and Human Services from requiring healthcare providers in Medicare and Medicaid programs to mandate vaccination or testing for their employees. **Who it affects:** The bill impacts federal employees, federal contractors, private employers subject to Labor Department rules, and healthcare providers participating in Medicare and Medicaid.
It essentially prevents government agencies from implementing or enforcing vaccine-related workplace requirements across these groups. **Current status:** The bill (HR 79) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives.
CRS Official Summary
Freedom from Mandates ActThis bill nullifies certain executive orders regarding COVID-19 safety and prohibits the Departments of Labor and Health and Human Services (HHS) from taking specified actions with respect to vaccination against COVID-19.Specifically, the bill nullifies Executive Order 14042 (relating to ensuring adequate COVID-19 safety protocols for federal contractors) and Executive Order 14043 (requiring COVID-19 vaccination for federal employees).Labor may not issue any rule requiring employers to mandate vaccination of employees against COVID-19 or requiring testing of employees who are unvaccinated.HHS may not (1) require a health care provider, as a condition of participation in the Medicare or Medicaid program, to mandate vaccination of employees against COVID-19 or require testing of employees who are unvaccinated; or (2) otherwise penalize such a provider for failure to mandate such vaccination or require such testing.
Latest Action
Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committees on Education and Workforce, Energy and Commerce, and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.