House Republicans Introduce Bill to End COVID Public Emergency

HOn Tuesday, the Republicans introduced a bill to stop the COVID-19 public health emergency Three years after its initial implementation, it has been maintained nationwide.

Rep. Brett Guthrie (R.KY) proposed the measure ending the emergency declaration. This set the stage for a symbolic vote that is likely get vetoed and rescinded by the President Joe Biden Should it pass Congress. It comes only one week after Biden’s resignation. extended the public health emergency Jusqu’April

BIDEN ADMINISTRATION EXTENDS COVID-19 PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY THROUGH APRIL

“The COVID-19 pandemic is over,” Guthrie tweeted Tuesday “It’s long overdue to end the COVID-19 [public health emergency] and for President Biden to relinquish his emergency powers.”

Congress has before introduced legislation to end COVID-19’s public health emergency. The Senate voted 62 to 36 in November to repeal the measure. Soon after, the White House indicated Biden would oppose the measure if it reached its desk.

Since January 2020, the emergency declaration has been extended in increments of 90 days. It’s not clear when the Biden administration intends to end the declaration, although the Department of Health and Human Services has pledged to notify states of its expiration at least 60 days in advance.

After the public health emergency is over, there will be many policy changes that will affect a range of areas like insurance markets and treatment approvals.

The emergency authorization allowed free vaccines, testing, or treatments throughout the pandemic. Mandatory declarations also required states to provide continuous enrollment for Medicaid, and other public health insurance programs, for low-income individuals.

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Biden administration officials may consider ending the public emergency in public health as soon as possible, but this decision is still not final.

Republicans have long condemned the Biden administration for expending the COVID-19 Emergency, arguing officials lack the legal basis to keep it in effect.