– The federal government is abusing power and it is important for us to take a stand on this issue. We think it’s a matter of choice depending on the circumstances, the Republican governor argued Thursday in Florida.
The suit, filed in Tampa federal court, states that the administration has no legal basis to enforce a requirement with such broad effect. The state is seeking an immediate suspension of the order, which is set to go into effect on December 8.
DeSantis, a staunch ally of former President Donald Trump who is a potential rival to the White House in 2024, has opposed COVID-19 restrictions at the state, local and federal levels. NBC News confirmed that it has banned the need for face masks and prevented companies from requiring employees to provide proof of vaccination.
Biden announced in September that federal employees and contractors working for the government should be vaccinated. Several Republican governors have threatened to sue the Biden administration over the requirement for public sector vaccinations against the coronavirus in companies with 100 or more employees. Others have taken steps to counter the administration’s policies to generally contain the spread of the coronavirus.
In early October, Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued an executive order prohibiting any actors, including private companies, from requiring employees or customers to be vaccinated.
“The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective and is our best defense against the virus, but its use should still be voluntary, not forced,” Abbott said.
