Jacobs cosponsors legislation to exempt essential workers from vaccine mandates

Press Release, Congressman Chris Jacobs

ORCHARD PARK – Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) recently cosponsored the Keeping Our COVID-19 Heroes Employed Act (H.R. 5860) to protect essential and frontline workers from overreaching vaccine mandates so they can stay on the job and continue to drive our economic recovery.

“While I believe the vaccines are safe and effective and encourage everyone to speak to their physician about receiving the vaccine, I strongly oppose mandates and believe the President has vastly overstepped his authority by forcing them on the American people,” Jacobs said.

The Keeping Our COVID–19 Heroes Employed Act would exempt essential workers from COVID-19 vaccine mandates imposed by the federal government, a government contractor, or a private entity receiving federal funds. For the purposes of this bill, an essential worker is defined as those deemed essential by a relevant state, Indian tribe, or territory during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We have proven we can work, live, and conduct business safely throughout the pandemic – we can continue doing so without forcing hard-working Americans who support our health care industry, national security, and critical government services off the job,” Jacobs said. “The President’s mandate will only cause issues in our supply chains, manufacturing, small businesses, and cost the livelihoods of thousands of Americans. I’m proud to cosponsor this legislation to rebuke this overreach.”