Biden’s vaccine mandate for federal contractors temporarily blocked by judge

On Wednesday, US District Judge Steven Merryday granted a preliminary injunction against the Biden administration's vaccine mandate for federal employees, citing the "undemonstrated" necessity of the policy. Merryday also evaluated whether Biden had the authority to issue the executive order.

"Florida demonstrates a substantial likelihood that Executive Order 14042 exceeds the President's authority under FPASA," Merryday stated in his decision, according to Axios, adding that he agreed with "Florida’s claim that Executive Order 14042 exceeds the President’s authorization under FPASA."

"Obviously, no massive extension and expansion of presidential power is necessary to cure a non-existent problem," Merryday added, "and certainly neither 'good cause' nor 'urgent and compelling circumstances' exists to justify summary disregard of the requirements of administrative law and rulemaking."

Florida governor Ron DeSantis' challenge is just one of many that have gone to court since President Biden announced the mandate in September 2021.

Also on Wednesday, it was reported that the Supreme Court would hold a special hearing in January to determine the legality of the Biden administration's far-reaching workplace vaccine mandate targeting large companies.