House Republicans support convening a special session to pass legislation addressing federal vaccine mandates facing court injunctions due to major constitutional concerns.

“President Biden’s unconstitutional vaccine mandates are already under court injunctions secured by House Bill 1236 legal challenges,” said House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka.

“The injunctions are positive developments, but they are not permanent protections for Oklahomans being forced to choose between their freedom or their jobs. Just as House Republicans led to enact House Bill 1236, we stand ready at any time to fight overreaching federal vaccine mandates via legislation in a special session. House Republicans support securing freedom for Oklahomans immediately.”

Through a lawsuit filed using the authority and funding granted by House Bill 1236 – coauthored by nearly all House Republicans – Attorney General John O’Connor secured a nationwide injunction against attempted federal vaccine mandates for healthcare workers put in place by President Joe Biden.

The injunction was the second major victory by states against federal vaccine mandates.

A prior court injunction issued against an attempted federal vaccine mandate on employers of 100 or more remains in effect while court proceedings continue. Oklahoma is part of additional court actions that are pending against vaccine mandates for federal employees, contractors and Oklahoma National Guard members.

Special sessions can be called by the governor or upon the signatures of two thirds of the members of each legislative chamber. Regular session does not begin until Feb. 7.

Rep. Jay Steagall, R-Yukon, Chair of the Oklahoma House States Rights Committee, issued a statement thanking Gov. Kevin Stitt and Attorney General John O’Connor for their ongoing effort to fight federal vaccine mandates, specifically a mandate that applies to Oklahoma National Guard members.

“The Oklahoma House of Representatives, in keeping with the oath of office, proactively passed vital legislation earlier this year that asserts the state’s duty and constitutionally-protected power to secure individuals’ rights and liberties. One such measure was House Bill 1236, which I am honored to have been a language contributor and coauthor, along with every House Republican Caucus member.

“I’m pleased that Attorney General John O’Connor has utilized the assertion of state power prescribed in the Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, and further addressed in HB1236, and thankful for his efforts in putting a stop to federal overreach pertaining to these unconstitutional vaccine mandates being pressed upon Oklahomans by the Biden administration.  I am also especially appreciative of his effort to defend our National Guard members from the same overreach.

The National Guard of Oklahoma is a state asset, under the chain of command of the governor at all times – with the exception of federal deployment.

“The President only assumes the role of commander-in-chief of our National Guard members, when, per the constitution, these members are ‘called in to the actual service of the United States.,” Steagal said. “In mid-September, I initiated conversation with the Governor and Attorney General in regard to the Secretary of Defense’s COVID-19 vaccination mandate. A major concern among our Guard members – one which I shared – was the possibility of discharge from the Oklahoma National Guard for noncompliance. Since the beginning of our conversation, I’ve worked diligently to provide the Governor with key information and viable solutions that would prevent negative administrative actions being taken against our National Guard members…

“As an elected member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives, and a retired service member of the Armed Forces with over 19 years in the Oklahoma National Guard, I’m standing with and supporting the Governor to ensure that the vaccine mandate from the Biden administration – through the Secretary of Defense’s office – will not negatively affect the careers of our Guard members or the personnel readiness level of our Oklahoma National Guard units.”

Gov. Kevin Stitt recently issued an order to ensure no retribution is administered to the members of the Oklahoma National Guard, for declining to take the COVID-19 vaccine (for reasons particular to the member).

“Our Oklahoma National Guard members are the best in the nation,” said Steagall. “They all took an oath to support and defend our Constitution – our way of life. They are our neighbors, our friends, our families – our grandfathers, grandmothers, moms, dads, aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, sons, and daughters – and by simply putting on the uniform, they have earned our respect, and deserve our support. “