Texas Gov. Greg Abbott Orders Ban On Vaccine Mandates

Gov. Greg Abbott‘s (R-Texas) has signed an executive order banning vaccine mandates. The order comes as President Joe Biden‘s recent order, requiring businesses with 100 or more workers to get vaccinated or be tested weekly, is set to take effect soon.

“In yet another instance of federal overreach, the Biden Administration is now bullying many private entities into imposing COVID-19 vaccine mandates,” Abbott wrote in the order.

Just a day after, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-Florida) also hinted at a similar measure to ban vaccine mandates in Florida.

“I think you need a law to be able to just say you shouldn’t be terminated for this reason,” DeSantis said.

Following Abbott’s order, the Biden administration denounced both governors, saying that state edicts would conflict with the federal effort to combat the virus.

“Over 700,000 American lives have been lost due to COVID-19, including more than 56,000 in Florida and over 68,000 in Texas, and every leader should be focused on efforts to save lives and end the pandemic,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki said. “Why would you be taking steps that prevent the saving of lives that make it more difficult to save lives across the country or in any state?”