In Yet Another Abuse of Power, Biden Admin Again Extends COVID “Public Health Emergency”

The COVID-19 public safety emergency was extended to April, according to the Biden administration on Wednesday. 

Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra made the announcement through the “Renewal of Determination that a Public Health Emergency Exists,” which states:  

“As a result of the continued consequences of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)  pandemic, on this date and after consultation with public health officials as necessary, I, Xavier Becerra, Secretary of Health and Human Services, pursuant to the authority vested in me under section 319 of the Public Health Service Act, do hereby renew, effective January 11, 2023, the January 31, 2020, determination by former Secretary Alex M. Azar II, that he previously renewed on April 21, 2020, July 23, 2020, October 2, 2020, and January 7, 2021, and that I renewed on April 15, 2021, July 19, 2021, October 15, 2021, January 14, 2022, April 12, 2022, July 15, 2022, and October 13, 2022, that a public health emergency exists and has existed since January 27, 2020, nationwide.”

CNBC was told by a spokesperson for HHS that states would receive a notice within 60 days “before any possible termination or expiration.” 

Social media users urged the new Congress not to ignore the interminable emergency. 

This is an opportunity to allow the new Congress to reclaim the power it gave the executive in an emergency, powers that are only used to justify the imposition policies that the legislature rejected. It is a matter of civic propriety. https://t.co/YRN8Q0H1vT

— Noah Rothman (@NoahCRothman) January 11, 2023

The Covid public healthcare program was extended by the Biden administration “emergency” Once again, until April

Covid will never stop evolving. Covid is always going to be there. “emergency” It will never end unless you make it stop.

— Young Americans for Liberty (@YALiberty) January 11, 2023

Absolute abuse of power! The PHE should be stopped. Allows 18 million people to continue receiving Medicaid benefits even if they aren’t eligible. #BidenBuyinVotes. https://t.co/QqJFLjJIE5

— Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. (@RepGregMurphy) January 11, 2023

The news follows Politico According to Tuesday’s report, the Biden administration will seek to end this spring’s public health emergency. 

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