WASHINGTON — On Wednesday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) joined Sens. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), and Mike Lee (R-Utah) to introduce the Prevent Unconstitutional Vaccine Mandates for Interstate Commerce Act. As the Biden administration is reportedly considering enforcing vaccine mandates for businesses merely seeking to engage in interstate commerce, the Prevent Unconstitutional Vaccine Mandates for Interstate Commerce Act would protect the privacy of Americans’ personal health information and prohibit the Department of Transportation and other federal agencies from requiring proof of vaccination or the use of a vaccine passport for such activities. Representative Dan Crenshaw is introducing companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Senator Ron Johnson said, ”The Biden administration’s decision to mandate vaccines for working Americans is an outrageous trampling of civil liberties and a dangerous precedent for what a U.S. president can unilaterally impose on the American public. The American people deserve transparency and as much information as possible from the federal government so they may make an informed choice about their own health. I’m happy to co-sponsor Senator Scott’s Prevent Unconstitutional Vaccine Mandates for Interstate Commerce Act that would prohibit federal agencies from requiring anyone to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination to do business across state borders. No one should be pressured, coerced, or fear reprisal for refusing treatment, including the Covid-19 vaccine.”  

Senator Rick Scott said, “While American businesses are working hard to recover from the devastating impacts of COVID-19, President Biden is set on implementing more mandates, lockdowns and restrictions that are holding them back. I got the COVID-19 vaccine, and encourage everyone who feels comfortable to get it too, but government has no business pushing mandates on the American people and our hardworking businesses. It’s the government’s job to inform Americans and then let every family make the right choices that will keep themselves, their businesses and their employees safe. My Prevent Unconstitutional Vaccine Mandates for Interstate Commerce Act ensures that the Biden administration cannot require anyone to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination to do business across state borders, and protects Americans’ rights and privacy.”

Representative Dan Crenshaw said, “The last thing that Americans need right now is another mandate that further prevents hardworking citizens from having the freedom to live their lives. Americans should have the right to make the best decision for themselves when it comes to getting the COVID vaccine. As lawmakers, what we need to do is educate the public in an honest way about the vaccine, and then allow them to make the choice for themselves. President Biden’s vaccine mandate is a cheap, unconstitutional overreach of governance and we will not stand by while it happens.”

Senator Cynthia Lummis said, “We’ve already seen the job-killing impact that President Biden’s vaccine mandate is having around the country. We don’t need to further exacerbate it by attacking tourism and business travel as well. The people of Wyoming aren’t dumb – they are considering the factors when evaluating whether to get the COVID vaccine, and they don’t need a presidential mandate politicizing what should simply be a healthcare decision made in consultation with medical professionals. I’m proud to support my colleague Rick Scott’s bill to prevent unconstitutional vaccine mandates for interstate commerce.”

Senator Roger Marshall said, “President Biden’s vaccination decree is an all-out assault on private business, our civil liberties, and our entire constitutional system of limited government. This is another example of the Administration overstepping its authority, and we cannot allow the success of American businesses to be thwarted for the sake of political power. As a physician who knows vaccines have saved countless lives, I stand by my belief that receiving the COVID-19 vaccine is a choice that should be made following a conversation with one’s doctor, instead of being forced by government decree. This legislation protects the American people’s right to do business across state lines without publicizing their private medical decisions, and must be passed to protect our Constitutional rights as well as the future of American businesses.”

Senator Mike Lee said, “Countless American freedoms have been restricted by the federal government during the pandemic.  Adding interstate travel and commerce to the list of curtailed freedoms is offensive to the Constitution, the American way of life, and the millions of Americans who should be trusted to make their own decisions.”

The Prevent Unconstitutional Vaccine Mandates for Interstate Commerce Act would prohibit any of the following federal agencies from requiring Americans to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination to engage in interstate commerce or travel: the Department of Transportation, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the national Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak), the Surface Transportation Board, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the National Transportation Safety Board, the Federal maritime Commission, and the Department of Commerce.

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