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Freedom from Mandates Act
1/4/2025, 11:17 AM
Summary of Bill HR 119
The bill specifically targets mandates related to healthcare, such as the requirement to purchase health insurance or comply with certain healthcare regulations. It aims to protect the freedom of individuals and businesses to make their own decisions without government interference.
If passed, the Freedom from Mandates Act would prevent the federal government from enforcing any mandates that infringe on the rights of individuals or businesses. This includes mandates related to healthcare, as well as other areas where the government may seek to impose requirements on individuals or businesses. Supporters of the bill argue that it is necessary to protect individual freedom and prevent government overreach. They believe that individuals and businesses should have the right to make their own choices without being forced to comply with government mandates. Opponents of the bill, however, argue that certain mandates are necessary to protect public health and safety. They believe that the government has a responsibility to regulate certain industries and ensure that individuals have access to essential services, such as healthcare. Overall, the Freedom from Mandates Act is a controversial piece of legislation that raises important questions about the balance between individual freedom and government regulation. It remains to be seen whether the bill will ultimately be passed into law.
Congressional Summary of HR 119
Freedom from Mandates Act
This bill nullifies certain executive orders regarding COVID-19 safety and prohibits the Departments of Labor and Health and Human Services (HHS) from taking specified actions with respect to vaccination against COVID-19.
Specifically, the bill nullifies Executive Order 14042 (relating to ensuring adequate COVID-19 safety protocols for federal contractors) and Executive Order 14043 (requiring COVID-19 vaccination for federal employees).
Labor may not issue any rule requiring employers to mandate vaccination of employees against COVID-19 or requiring testing of employees who are unvaccinated.
HHS may not (1) require a health care provider, as a condition of participation in the Medicare or Medicaid program, to mandate vaccination of employees against COVID-19 or require testing of employees who are unvaccinated; or (2) otherwise penalize such a provider for failure to mandate such vaccination or require such testing.
