H.R.119 - To prohibit any entity that receives Federal funds from the COVID relief packages from mandating employees receive a COVID–19 vaccine, and for other purposes. (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 119 aims to prevent entities receiving federal funds from COVID relief packages from mandating employee COVID-19 vaccinations. The bill stipulates that any entity violating this restriction must return the received funds to the federal government. The covered COVID relief packages include the CARES Act, Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, Families First Coronavirus Response Act, Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
Expected Effects
If enacted, H.R. 119 would limit the ability of organizations receiving COVID-19 relief funds to require employee vaccinations. This could lead to fewer vaccinated employees in those organizations. The bill may also create legal challenges regarding the scope of federal authority and individual rights.
Potential Benefits
- Protects individual choice regarding medical decisions.
- Prevents potential job loss due to vaccine mandates in covered entities.
- Reinforces the principle of bodily autonomy.
- Could reduce potential labor shortages in specific sectors.
- Addresses concerns about government overreach in healthcare decisions.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- May increase the risk of COVID-19 transmission in workplaces.
- Could undermine public health efforts to control the pandemic.
- May lead to increased healthcare costs due to higher infection rates.
- Could create confusion and legal challenges regarding the scope of the restriction.
- Potentially weakens employer's ability to ensure a safe working environment.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill touches upon individual liberties and the extent of federal power. While it can be argued that the bill protects individual liberty by preventing mandatory vaccinations, the federal government's power to regulate spending and attach conditions to federal funds is also relevant. The constitutionality may depend on how the courts balance these competing interests, referencing Article I, Section 8 (the Spending Clause) and potential arguments related to the Tenth Amendment regarding powers reserved to the states or the people.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).