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Democrat Senator Shreds Biden’s Mandate, Says It Is ‘Problematic’

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OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.


President Joe Biden is facing a staunch battle against many of his plans, not only from Republicans but from some brave Democrats who have been willing to stand up and say that there are limits to government intrusion into the lives of private citizens.

We have seen it with the stalling of Biden’s Build Back Better plan and we are seeing it now with his vaccine mandates for private businesses.

Montana Democrat Sen. Jon Tester spoke to Fox News anchor Neil Cavuto and called the mandate “problematic” on the same day he joined Republicans and voted against them.

“Well, first of all, I mean, look, I have been vaccinated. My family has been vaccinated. My entire staff has been vaccinated,” the senator said.

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“I believe that people need to go out and get vaccinated…But, in the end, I have heard a lot from my businesses in the state of Montana. And they have told me that it’s put them in a heck of a bind. And so I think they should have some relief.

“On the other side, there are other — like the health care folks who need to get vaccinated, I’m not opposed to that at all. In fact, I think it’s the right thing to do. I think it’s common sense, Neil,” he said.

He said that he preferred the “carrot” to the “stick” in the approach to increasing vaccinations.

“And I think that we’re at a point in time and of our economy and the recovery and things that have to get done, especially with the bipartisan infrastructure bill that we passed, that we need to pay attention to what folks are telling us,” the senator said.

“And I can tell you, in the state of Montana, folks are saying, businesspeople are saying, this — even though the owners think it’s a good idea to get vaccinated, they’re saying this puts me in a bind. So the mandate issue for the private sector does become problematic for business,” he said.

The Montana senator joined his fellow Democrat, West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin, in voting against Biden’s vaccine mandate for private businesses.

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Both of the senators issued statements on their websites explaining their decision on the matter.

“Over the past few months, I’ve repeatedly heard concerns from Montana’s small business and community leaders about the negative effect the private business vaccine mandate will have on their bottom lines and our state’s economy. That’s why I intend to join a bipartisan majority of my colleagues in defending Montana jobs and small businesses against these burdensome regulations. I strongly urge every eligible Montanan to get vaccinated as soon as possible so we can end this pandemic once and for all,” Sen. Tester said.

“I have always supported a vaccine mandate for federal employees and the military because maintaining the essential services and military readiness the federal government provides is a matter of national importance. However, I do not support any government vaccine mandate for private businesses. It is not the place of the federal government to tell private business owners how to protect their employees from COVID-19 and operate their businesses. We should incentivize, not penalize, private employers to encourage vaccination among their employees. That is why I cosponsored the bill and voted today to overturn the federal government vaccine mandate for private businesses. I have received both vaccine doses and a booster shot, and I continue to urge every West Virginian and American to get vaccinated to protect themselves and their loved ones,” Sen. Manchin said.

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Of course, if the bill reaches Biden’s desk he is likely to veto it. And that is a big “if” considering the measure would have to be taken up in the House of Representatives with is controlled by Democrat House Speaker and California Rep. Nancy Pelosi.

But the symbolism of the vote is important too. And the legislation may not be needed as the mandate has been continuously struck down in the courts.

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