U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today cosponsored a bill that would prevent the federal government from imposing fines, fees or taxes on Montana small businesses that do not adhere to President Biden’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
“While I’m pro-vaccine, I’m anti-mandate,” Daines said. “President Biden’s overreaching vaccine mandates will hurt Montana small businesses and workers. As Montana small businesses across the state are still struggling to fill job openings, the last thing they need is the federal government forcing Montanans to quit their jobs because of top-down mandates. While I will continue to encourage Montanans to talk with their doctor and get the safe, effective and free COVID-19 vaccine, I will also continue to push back against these mandates.”
For bill text of the “No Taxation Without Congressional Consent Act,” click HERE.
In September, Daines voted in support of an amendment that would prohibit funding for implementing or enforcing a COVID-19 vaccine mandate pertaining to employers and people other than federal workers or federal contractors. Unfortunately, all Senate Democrats opposed the amendment and blocked its passage.
Daines also cosponsored the “Prohibiting Forced COVID-19 Vaccination Act” which would clarify that nothing in federal law provides authority for a COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
Statement of Support:
“Montana businesses see the Biden vaccine mandate in very grave terms, many going as far as to call it an existential threat to their business. It’s a government mandated disaster, that creates regulatory and compliance nightmares, will devastate an already strained workforce and crush an economic recovery already weighed down by supply chain disruptions due to a lack of employees. Senator Daines obviously understands the threat this mandate poses to Montana businesses and our economy. As this Administrative rule marches forward, time is not our friend. We need an aggressive voice on behalf of Montana businesses and we appreciate the Senator taking this fight on behalf of Montanans.” –Todd O’Hair, President of Montana Chamber of Commerce
Hear from Tom Simkins, co-owner of Simkins-Hallin Lumber in Bozeman on how Biden’s mandate could hurt his employees and business.
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Contact: Katherine McKeogh, Katie Schoettler