Washington, D.C. — Today, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments concerning the federal government’s vaccine and testing standards for workers and vaccine standards in healthcare settings. The first argument concerned the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) emergency temporary standard requiring employers with 100+ employees to require vaccination or weekly testing. The second argument concerned the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) rule requiring vaccination for covered healthcare workers at facilities participating in the agency’s programs. 

In December, Democracy Forward filed three amicus briefs on behalf of 16 of the nation’s leading associations representing medical professionals, public health experts, and patients across disciplines, which urge the Court to preserve the OSHA and CMS standards.

Following the conclusion of oral arguments today, Democracy Forward President and CEO Skye Perryman issued the following statement:

“Today, as the Supreme Court heard oral arguments concerning the federal government’s vaccine and testing standard for workers and vaccine standard in healthcare settings, our nation is averaging more than 600,000 new COVID-19 cases daily. Common sense, evidence-based protections for U.S. workers and patients are needed now more than ever as the country faces a growing surge. It is also important that pandemic responses reflect the consensus of the nation’s leading medical and health care experts. Briefs we have submitted on behalf of the nation’s leading medical and patient professionals explain to the Court the need for immediate, widespread vaccination against COVID-19. To protect the health and safety of workers, patients, and families across the country, the OSHA and CMS standards should be upheld.” 

Follow Democracy Forward’s work to protect the health of our nation during the pandemic here. 

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Democracy Forward Foundation (“Democracy Forward”)  is a nonprofit legal organization founded in 2017 that litigates cases involving government action on behalf of organizations, individuals, and municipalities. The organization has taken 650 legal actions and achieved victories supporting democracy and improving the lives and wellbeing of people and communities. Democracy Forward Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.  

Press Contact

Emily Singer
Democracy Forward
(973) 865-0063
esinger@democracyforward.org