[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 193 (Wednesday, November 3, 2021)]
[House]
[Page H6131]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             VACCINE MANDATE UNDERMINES ESSENTIAL SERVICES

  (Mr. BURCHETT asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BURCHETT. Madam Speaker, when the coronavirus shut down this 
country, first responders and healthcare professionals kept our 
communities going and safe. The essential services they provide can't 
be done from behind a computer screen, Madam Speaker.
  Joe Biden's vaccine mandate undermines the preparedness of these 
services. The Americans we celebrated for the last 20 months are now 
forced to get the coronavirus vaccine or be fired from their jobs. It 
is disgusting that the Biden administration is threatening these public 
servants' livelihoods over these issues.
  Our country cannot afford labor shortages in essential services. Look 
at law enforcement, for example. The defund the police movement 
continues to embolden criminals and lower morale among the law 
enforcement community.
  On top of these problems, thousands of police officers are facing 
termination thanks to Biden's vaccine mandate.
  This is a recipe for disaster amidst rising crime. I guarantee that 
if you are in danger of or a victim of crime, the last thing on your 
mind will be the vaccination status of the responding officer.
  Congress needs to stand up for these essential workers under attack 
from Joe Biden's vaccine mandate. This week, I will introduce 
legislation allowing these workers to decide for themselves on taking 
the coronavirus vaccine, free from threats of termination if they 
decide against getting the shot, Madam Speaker. No American citizen 
should be fired for making a healthcare decision they believe is in 
their best interest.

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