Republican senators threatened to delay funding towards National Defense until the “insane” vaccine mandate for US military members is removed. 

Senator Ron Johnson sent a joint letter to Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell. 

“We oppose invoking closure on the National Defense Authorization Act for the Fiscal Year 2023, unless the Senate votes on a single amendment,” the letter stated.

“(1) prohibit the involuntary separation of a member of the Armed Forces based solely on a service member’s COVID-19 vaccination status and (2) reinstate those who may have already been separated with back pay.”

Johnson later spoke to reporters to further address his concerns.

He said that about 8000 military members in the US have been dismissed as a result of the “insane” vaccine mandate. In addition, he said another 17,000 members are waiting to hear about potential termination based on the status of their exemption requests.

“The bottom line here is the vaccine does not prevent infection — does not prevent transmission. So why would we make anybody take it?” he asked.

“It’s an insane policy.”

Johnson also said that the safety signals that have cause for concern. 

“The FDA, the CDC, and the NIH have not been honest. They have not been transparent.”

Senator Ted Cruz said he believes the vaccine mandates for military members continue to exist for ideological purposes. Cruz said President Biden and VP Harris are trying to “purge” conservatives from the military.

“They’re using it as an excuse from the enlisted level all the way up to majors and colonels to the top brass,” Cruz said.

In Canada, some military members are still required to be vaccinated – and boosted every six months to keep their jobs.