WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator John Hoeven, R-N.D., joined Senator John Thune, R-S.D., in introducing a resolution to nullify a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) interim final rule (IFR) that requires all Head Start staff and volunteers to be fully vaccinated and wear a mask. If enacted, this resolution would also nullify the IFR’s mandate for all children two years of age and older to wear a mask, including when they are playing outside. Congress can consider this resolution using expedited procedures under the Congressional Review Act and can pass it by a simple majority vote.
“Head Start staff and volunteers provide an important service to communities in North Dakota and across the country,” said Hoeven. “These mandates from HHS will worsen the staffing challenges that Head Start providers are already facing in North Dakota. The fact children are forced to wear masks outside on the playground shows how out of touch with reality these regulations are, and our resolution is about pushing back on this federal overreach.”
In addition to Hoeven and Thune, this legislation is cosponsored by Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.).
Click here for the full text of the resolution. In December, Hoeven helped introduce legislation to prohibit HHS from implementing or enforcing the vaccination and masking requirements.
