evidence: I voted "Yes" on H.R. 497, the Freedom for Health Care Workers Act. Throughout the pandemic our healthcare workers put their lives on the line to help their fellow man. However, after this selfless work, the Biden Administration enacted an overreaching rule mandating healthcare workers be vaccinated against COVID-19, even though the vaccine has proven not to slow the spread of the virus and many of these same healthcare workers already had natural immunity through previous exposure to the virus. This mandate led to the mass firing of health workers, which has created staffing shortages in medical facilities, raising costs and undermining access to quality care, especially for those in rural communities. This legislation will finally undo this destructive mandate, allowing these health professionals to return to work. No American should lose access to employment or educational opportunities because of a personal health decision. This bill passed the House by a vote of 227-203.