FreedomWorks’ Bill of the Month for July 2021: A Bill to Prohibit a COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate for our Armed Forces H.R. 3860
The Big Picture
Rahm Emmanual, President Obama’s former chief of staff, famously said, “never allow a good crisis to go to waste.” In dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic and recovery, government officials are taking those words to heart. Since the start of 15 days to slow the spread, politicians have stripped Americans of their livelihoods, denied access to loved ones, blown out the national debt, and are now seriously considering vaccine mandates.
The decision of whether or not to take the COVID-19 vaccine belongs first and foremost to the individual. These prospective mandates fail to consider any natural immunity from prior infection. Vaccine mandates are an exercise of government power that is antithetical to both logic and liberty.
Despite the evident flaws with vaccine mandates, there are institutions still looking to implement them. The most troubling prospective mandate is that of our Armed Forces. According to the Army Times, commanders are to be prepared for a COVID-19 vaccine mandate as early as September 1st. There is, however, a contingent of pro-freedom lawmakers in Washington intent on protecting members of our Armed Forces.
Rep. Thomas Massie has introduced H.R. 3860, legislation that would prohibit any Armed Forces vaccine mandate.
The Details
This bill, H.R. 3860, prevents federal funds from being used to compel any Armed Forces member to receive a vaccination against COVID-19. Members of the Armed Forces are also protected against adverse actions resulting from refusing to be vaccinated.
Adverse actions include
- Retaliation
- Punishment
- Disparate treatment
- A mask mandate
- A requirement to reside in sub-standard housing
Why It Matters
Americans that choose to serve our country should not be required to receive a vaccine against their wishes. Rep. Massie’s legislation is vital to protect American civil liberties against vaccine mandates. As our government continues to grow in size and invade the lives of all Americans, lawmakers must fight for liberty and support pro-freedom legislation such as H.R. 3860.
Currently, Rep. Massie’s bill to prohibit an Armed Forces vaccine mandate has 24 co-sponsors. Hopefully, more lawmakers realize the importance of protecting our Armed Forces and support H.R. 3860.
