Senate Republicans threaten to derail crucial defense policy bill over Biden's vaccine mandate

Posted By TheNewsCommenter: From Washingtontimes.com: “Senate Republicans threaten to derail crucial defense policy bill over Biden’s vaccine mandate”. Below is an excerpt from the article.

Senate Republicans are threatening to block the must-pass defense policy bill over President Biden’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for U.S. service members. 

More than a dozen Senate Republicans on Wednesday said they would oppose a procedural vote to advance the $847 billion National Defense Authorization Act unless the chamber votes on a measure to dismantle the mandate and reinstate those who have been separated from the military for refusing the jab. 

“The Department of Defense COVID-19 vaccine mandate has ruined the livelihoods of men and women who have honorably served our country,” the lawmakers said in a letter to Senate Republican leaders. “The effects of this mandate are antithetical to readiness of our force, and the policy must be revoked.”

The letter was signed by Republican Sens. Rand Paul of Kentucky, Rick Scott and Marco Rubio of Florida, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Mike Lee of Utah, Ted Cruz of Texas, Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, Mike Braun of Indiana, Roger Marshall of Kansas, Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, Steve Daines of Montana, Cindy Hyde-Smith of Mississippi and Josh Hawley of Missouri. 

“The Biden vaccine mandate on our military creates a national security risk that severely impacts our defense capabilities abroad and our state readiness here at home,” the governors, led by Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, wrote in a letter to the leaders of both parties in both the House and the Senate. 

Read more...