Biden faces vaccine mandate pushback from own party | First Thing

Two Democratic senators resist president's rules for large businesses despite support of scientists. Plus, US jobless claims plunge

Good morning.

Two Democratic senators have resisted Joe Biden's vaccine-or-test mandate for large businesses despite having the support of scientists and public health experts.

Why did they co-sign the bill? Manchin, who is vaccinated and boosted, said the rule represents federal overreach. It is not the place of the federal government to tell private business owners how to protect their employees from Covid-19," he said.

What did the court decide? In a 3-0 decision, the US court of appeals for the District of Columbia said there was a unique legislative need" for documents that the committee has requested.

What did the judge say? In a 68-page ruling, Judge Patricia Ann Millett wrote: On the record before us, former President Trump has provided no basis for this court to override President Biden's judgment."