President Joe Biden formally announced his plan to force companies with more than 100 employees to vaccinate workers against the coronavirus or test them weekly.
Biden said: ”This is not about freedom or personal choice. It’s about protecting yourself and those around you, the people you work with, the people you care about, the people you love. My job as president is to protect all Americans.”
In his speech, Biden expressed frustration with unvaccinated Americans, saying: "We've been patient but our patience is wearing thin and your refusal has cost all of us.We have the tools to combat COVID-19, and a distinct minority of Americans, supported by a distinct minority of elected officials, are keeping us from turning the corner.”
Biden officially confirmed that he has instructed the Department of Labor to mandate employers with over 100 workers to either vaccinate them or force them to test for the virus weekly.
The rule could affect up to 100 million workers and will also levy substantial fines, up to $14,000 per infraction, against companies that refuse to comply.
Republican states quickly snapped back and said they were reviewing all legal avenues to push back against Biden's plan to force vaccinations.
Several state attorneys have already warned they would take the Biden administration to court to defend individual liberties.
Arizona, Montana, Indiana, Arkansas, Missouri, Georgia and South Carolina were all among the states that threatened legal action in response to the White House announcement.
