|
"This is a necessary and long overdue step toward ensuring all
Americans feel safe and confident while traveling and reduce the
chances of yet another devastating winter surge," said the
letter from members of Congress led by Representatives Don
Beyer and Ritchie Torres and Senator Dianne Feinstein.
On Monday, the United States imposed new requirements for nearly
all foreign nationals flying to the United States to show proof
of vaccination as well as proof of a negative COVID-19 test. The
Biden administration also lifted travel restrictions that barred
most foreign nationals from the United States who had recently
been in China, Brazil, South Africa, Iran and much of Europe.
Asked why the administration was not imposing any requirements
on domestic air travel, White House spokeswoman Karine
Jean-Pierre told reporters on Monday, "Everything is on the
table. We just don’t have any announcement to preview right now
on this."
The letter, signed by senior Democrats including Representatives
Jerrold Nadler, Adam Schiff, David Cicilline, Barbara Lee and
Eleanor Holmes Norton, praised the administration's adoption of
international air vaccine requirements.
"Applying similar strategies to domestic air travel would ensure
Americans can travel safely to see their loved ones during the
holidays while also limiting household introduction and spread
of COVID-19 from visiting family and friends," the letter said.
Last week, the Biden administration said it would not enforce a
deadline for federal contractors including major U.S. airlines
to ensure their employees are vaccinated against COVID-19 until
Jan. 4.
Both American Airlines and Southwest Airlines said they would
push back employee deadlines until then.
(Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
[© 2021 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.] Copyright 2021 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content.
|
|
