Press Releases

Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI) released the following statement in response to the Biden Administration’s new rules and mandates for employers, healthcare facilities, and even truck drivers regarding COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

“There is a significant difference between American citizens choosing to get a vaccine and the federal government mandating such an action. I remain strongly opposed to federally mandated COVID-19 vaccines, because I believe this level of coercive behavior to be destructive and unconstitutional.

“Rules impacting private sector employees and federal contractors will have a negative impact on the workforce of every sector especially utility companies, food processors, logistics, and healthcare. This means right as winter hits there will be fewer line operators available to restore power should a storm knock it out, while companies will have a greater struggle to produce food, much less deliver it to stores, as families buy it at elevated prices.  Clearly, these mandates will have a real impact on families, small businesses, and seniors that need to have their lights and heat on.

“Additionally, these sweeping mandates will devastate rural healthcare systems across Michigan and the nation. Frontline healthcare workers play a pivotal role in caring for members of our community. This mandate will create an even greater shortage in a healthcare workforce that is already struggling to meet staffing demands required to care for patients.

“Families across Michigan have been through enough. The last 20 months have been filled with tragic lockdowns from Governor Whitmer and empty campaign promises from President Biden. Michiganders shouldn’t have to face the reality of losing their jobs because of these coercive mandates from Washington.

“I am supporting legislation blocking the implementation of these overreaching measures by the Biden Administration and will continue to stand up for West Michigan workers, families, small business owners, and healthcare providers.”