Psaki: Abbott, DeSantis Banning Vaccine Mandates ‘Fit a Familiar Pattern’ of ‘Putting Politics Ahead of Public Health’

EXCERPT:

PSAKI: "Well, Josh, his requirements are promulgated by a federal law. So, when the President announced his vaccine mandates for businesses, that, of course, we’re waiting on OSHA regulations as far as the next step. That was pursuant to federal law and the implementation of federal law because it’s an executive order. So, our intention is to implement and continue to work to implement these requirements across the country, including in the states where there are attempts to oppose them. I will say, since you gave me the opportunity, Governor Abbott's executive order banning mandates, and I would also note announcement by Governor DeSantis this morning essentially banning the implementation of mandates, fit a familiar pattern that we’ve seen of putting politics ahead of public health. Over 700,000 American lives have been lost due to Covid-19, including more than 56,000 in Florida and over 68,000 in Texas. And every leader should be focused on supporting efforts to save lives and end the pandemic."