ToplineNancy Pelosi, House Speaker, said Friday that full approval of Pfizer's BioNTech vaccine by the Food and Drug Administration was reportedly possible as soon as next month. This would allow for a mandate for legislators and staff. This is the strongest indication yet from the House's highest ranking member that such an option is available.WASHINGTON DC - AUGUST 4: Speaker of House Nancy Pelosi (D.CA) answers reporters' questions about... [+] Capitol Hill, Wednesday, August 4, 2021 in Washington DC. As it continues its work on the $1 Trillion infrastructure bill, the Senate has moved to the amendments process for the legislative text. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) Los Angeles Times via Getty ImagesThe Key FactsPelosi stated that FDA approval of the Pfizer vaccine would make a significant difference in terms what we can do. However, she acknowledged that it was a decision for Capitol physician Brian P. Monahan. According to the New York Times', the FDA expects to complete the approval process by Labor Day or Sept. 6. A spokesperson for the FDA stated that the FDA would approve the Pfizer vaccine, which is only authorized for emergency use. However, 19 House Democrats wrote to Monahan asking him to mandate the vaccinations or semi-weekly testing. They warned that if he does not, he will be subject to partisan pressure and question his objectivity. Pelosi also attacked Republicans who have criticised the House's coronavirus mitigation plan. He noted that Ralph Norman (Republican from South Carolina) was recently found to be infected with the virus following a lawsuit against her to repeal the House's mask mandate. Forbes was told by Wendy Parmet, Northeastern University professor of health policy law, that although Congress is subject to different legal rules than other workplaces the legal case for mandated vaccines is strong.Important QuoteWe can't require that someone be vaccinated. This is not something we can do. In April, Pelosi stated that it is private to determine who is and who isn't. When asked Friday if she held that belief, she didn't respond. However, she said that weighing the equity might lead Monahan to another place due to a mandate for vaccines.Big Number85 percent. This is the percentage of House members who had been vaccinated by late July, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy stated in a floor speech opposing the reintroduction the House chamber mask mandate. Forbes was informed by a senior Democratic aide that 85% of legislators and staff had been vaccinated since the mandate was lifted in June.TangentGiven that all Senate and House Democrats were vaccinated according to a CNN survey, it is probable that they are all Republicans. Three Senate Republicans Senators. Rand Paul (R.Ky.), Ron Johnson, (R.Wisc.). Mike Braun (R. Ind.) Mike Braun (R-Ind.) have declined to be vaccinated.
