05.03.22

Hoeven Statement After Voting to Nullify Head Start Vaccine, Mask Mandates

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement after voting for a resolution to nullify a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) rule that requires all Head Start staff and volunteers to be fully vaccinated and wear a mask. Hoeven helped introduce the resolution with Senator John Thune to stop the HHS mandate which also requires all children two years of age and older to wear a mask, including when they are playing outside. The Senate considered the resolution using expedited procedures under the Congressional Review Act.

“The Head Start mandates exacerbated staffing challenges for Head Start providers and forced children to wear masks even when outside on the playground,” said Hoeven. “This is a prime example of government overreach, which is why I helped introduce this resolution and voted today to block these mandates.” 

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