2025 House Resolution 135

Whereas, The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the deaths of over one million Americans and disrupted the lives, health, and economic well-being of millions more. As a response to the pandemic, safe and effective vaccines were developed and authorized by the Food and Drug Administration to combat COVID-19 and its variants, significantly reducing severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths; and

Whereas, Widespread access to COVID-19 vaccines is essential for protecting public health, supporting economic recovery, and preventing future waves of infection. It is critical that COVID-19 vaccines remain free and accessible to every person in the United States, regardless of income, insurance status, or immigration status; and

Whereas, Despite the demonstrated benefits of vaccination, access remains unequal due to socioeconomic disparities, geographic challenges, and the expiration of federal funding that once guaranteed free vaccine availability. Additionally, public confidence in vaccines has been undermined by misinformation, placing individuals and communities at risk; and

Whereas, Elected officials and public figures bear a responsibility to promote public health, support science-based policies, and advocate for equitable access to medical resources, including vaccines. These individuals should support and advocate for universal vaccine access and refrain from promoting misinformation that undermines confidence in lifesaving public health measures. This is especially true of the Secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we urge the United States Congress, the President of the United States, and the Secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services to take all necessary actions to support and ensure the provision of free and accessible COVID-19 vaccines for all; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the Majority Leader of the United States Senate, and the Secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services.