The White House said Monday it would not support Republican efforts to repeal President Biden’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for members of the military, setting up a showdown as Congress takes up this year’s must-pass defense policy bill.
National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters that Mr. Biden has sided with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in opposition to repealing the mandate, ending speculation that the president would consider Republicans’ proposal after speaking with House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, California Republican, over the weekend.
“Secretary Austin’s been very clear that he opposes the repeal of that vaccine mandate, and the president actually concurs with the secretary that we need to continue to believe that all Americans, including those in the armed forces, should be vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19,” Mr.