Stopping Government Outreach, Protecting Your Medical Freedom

By Rep. Kat Cammack (R), Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R)

For the last two years, the U.S. has grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated lockdowns, shutdowns, mandates, and public health orders. In Florida, we’re fortunate to have Governor DeSantis leading the way to keep Florida free and open, fighting back against the orders to which blue cities and states have become accustomed.

It’s not unusual for our Florida colleagues to hear from Americans across the country who tell us they’re moving to Florida for more freedom—the freedom to build a business, the freedom to educate their children without harmful ideas rooted in socialist, anti-American propaganda, and the freedom to live their lives. Americans in other states, however, are not as fortunate.

When the Biden administration rolled out vaccine mandates for small businesses, federal government workers and contractors, the plans were rightfully met with frustration, exhaustion, and outright rejection. As Americans, our right to medical freedom is one that must be protected, and we’ve said it since the very beginning: the federal government cannot make your medical decisions for you. It’s something for you, your family, and your doctor to discuss.

It's important to make it clear that we’re not anti-vaccine, but we are firmly anti-mandate. In consultation with your doctor and your family members, you are guaranteed the freedom to make your own decision about the COVID-19 vaccine. If you want to receive it, we’ve worked hard to make sure it’s safe and readily available, but if you don’t, that’s your decision and your decision alone. Furthermore, you certainly cannot and should not be discriminated against based on your vaccination status.

This is why we’re proud to introduce H.R. 6914, the SMALL GOVT Act—Stopping Mandates and Limiting Large Government Overreach by Valuing Truth Act—in the U.S. House of Representatives. This bill would prohibit the use of federal funds to discriminate, either directly or indirectly, against an individual on the basis of their vaccination or natural immunity status against COVID-19.

In the United States, our freedoms are what set us apart from other nations and we won’t stop now in fighting back against the growing overreach of the federal government under this administration. For us, it’s simple: we’re following the science and making sure our freedoms aren’t casually disregarded to accommodate a political agenda.

Additionally, our bill would make sure that federal funds cannot be used to administer a COVID vaccine without obtaining informed consent from the patient. For minors under the age of 18, such funds cannot be used without informed consent from a young patient’s guardian.

It’s no secret that Americans work hard for their money and taxpayer dollars should never go toward policies or practices that discriminate against American citizens or that make a mockery of important rules around informed consent.

As our country returns to normal in the months ahead, we look forward to continuing the fight to ensure medical freedom remains a priority for legislators in Washington, D.C. We are proud to continue fighting for your medical freedom and your choices, and we will stand firm in the face of vaccine mandates that violate our core American principles.

Congressman Gus Bilirakis serves Florida’s Twelfth Congressional District and serves on the House Energy & Commerce Committee and as the lead Republican on the Subcommittee for Consumer Protection and Commerce. Congresswoman Kat Cammack serves Florida’s Third Congressional District and serves on the House Agriculture and Homeland Security Committees and the Select Committee on the Economy.