Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

H.R.121 - No Vaccine Passports Act (119th Congress)

Summary

H.R.121, the "No Vaccine Passports Act," aims to prevent federal agencies from issuing vaccine passports or similar documentation related to COVID-19 vaccination status. It also prohibits requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination for accessing federal property, services, or congressional grounds. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives by Mr. Biggs of Arizona and referred to multiple committees for consideration.

Expected Effects

If enacted, this bill would prevent federal agencies from creating or mandating vaccine passports. This would limit the federal government's ability to track or regulate citizens' vaccination status. It would also ensure that access to federal facilities and services is not contingent on proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

Potential Benefits

  • Protects individual privacy by preventing the creation and use of federal vaccine passports.
  • Prevents potential discrimination based on vaccination status for access to federal services and properties.
  • Upholds personal autonomy and freedom of choice regarding medical decisions.
  • Limits government overreach into personal health information.
  • Reinforces the principle of equal access to government resources regardless of medical status.

Potential Disadvantages

  • May hinder public health efforts to track and control the spread of infectious diseases.
  • Could limit the ability of federal agencies to implement safety measures during public health emergencies.
  • May create challenges for businesses or organizations that wish to implement their own vaccination policies.
  • Could potentially increase the risk of outbreaks in federal facilities if vaccination is not verified.
  • May complicate international travel if other countries require proof of vaccination.

Constitutional Alignment

The bill aligns with principles of individual liberty and privacy, potentially supported by the Fourth Amendment's protection against unreasonable searches and seizures. It also touches on the Tenth Amendment, which reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people. The bill could be seen as limiting federal power in areas traditionally regulated at the state or individual level. However, the federal government's power to regulate interstate commerce (Article I, Section 8) could be argued as a counterpoint, especially during a public health crisis.

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).