McCollum Vote on H.R. 185, Revoking Vaccine Requirements for Global Travelers

Mr. Speaker, I rise to provide remarks on H.R. 185, a bill House Republicans have brought to the Floor to revoke vaccine requirements for global travelers entering the United States. This legislation puts American health care at risk, flies in the face of settled science surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine, and hinders America's ability to adapt and respond to emerging variants.

The decision to revise or revoke our country's public health guidance concerning COVID-19 vaccine requirements should rest in the hands of our public health experts – not Congress. Since the beginning of the pandemic, numerous variants of the virus originating in other countries have spread to the United States. The potential for new variants is a public health concern that is only elevated with increased travel of unvaccinated individuals.

With this bill, House Republicans have made themselves clear: they would prefer to play political games by misleading the American people about the efficacy of the vaccine instead of focusing on alleviating the stress on our hospitals, health care providers, and public health resources.

Thank you, I yield back.