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The Senate passed a resolution Thursday that would end the national emergency for COVID-19, but it is unlikely to pass the House.
The resolution, which was sponsored by Senate Republicans, narrowly passed 48-47 along party lines.
Five senators, including three Democrats, were absent, giving Republicans the votes needed for the resolution to pass.
“We must repeal this emergency declaration today to deliver a symbolic victory to our citizens that normalcy is around the corner and that limited government and our constitutional rights still reign supreme,” said Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Ky.) on the Senate Floor Thursday.
The national emergency has been in effect for two years, giving the government flexibilities outside of normal laws to respond to the pandemic.
The Biden administration issued a statement opposing the resolution, stating it still needs those authorities to respond to COVID-19.
“The national emergency enables the administration to more effectively respond to COVID-19, including ensuring that necessary supplies are promptly available to respond to the virus and facilitating the delivery of healthcare at a time when our health system has been under tremendous and prolonged stress,” the Office of Management and Budget wrote in a statement.
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