WASHINGTON, D.C. — The White House announced Tuesday it is withdrawing its vaccination and testing requirement for large businesses.
This comes nearly two weeks after the Supreme Court’s decision to block the rule.
The rule used to apply to businesses with 100 employees or more.
Companies had to ensure their workers were fully vaccinated or undergo regular testing a wear a mask in the workplace.
In a statement posted on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) website, the Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration said the withdrawal is effective January 26.
It went on to say that, although it is withdrawing the standard, OSHA is not withdrawing it as a proposed rule.
This could give the standard a better chance at surviving another legal challenge.
It is not clear if OSHA will come up with a different rule for the workplace.
In its statement, OSHA said it still encourages workers to get vaccinated.
U.S. Senator Mike Braun (R-Indiana) released the following statement:
"President Biden’s vaccine mandate for private employees is unconstitutional and wrong, and OSHA withdrawing the rule is a huge win for the liberties and livelihoods of millions of Americans. I was proud to stand up for Hoosier workers and lead the vote to overturn this illegal mandate in the Senate, which the Supreme Court noted as a reason for their decision.”
