Florida Rep. Byron Donalds said Gov. Ron DeSantis is taking the right steps to thwart reports of “vaccine tourism” to the state, people traveling to obtain an inoculation against the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19, but that it’s indicative that other states and countries have “botched” their distribution.
“The first thing is what our governor already has done,” Donalds said Tuesday on Newsmax TV’s “The Chris Salcedo Show.” “He’s said you cannot have this vaccine unless you’re a permanent resident of Florida.
“Like, in my district alone, we have 400,000 people who are over the age 65. They must come first. And I think the governor and his team are going to every they can to make sure that’s possible.”
Donalds, 42, a freshman congressman who represents Florida’s 19th Congressional District along the state’s southwest Gulf Coast, was reacting to reports that people were coming from out of state, even Canada, because the Sunshine State wasn’t requiring proof of residency, only that one was 65 or older.
“But also indicative of what we’re seeing in so many states and other countries,” Donalds said. “Frankly, they just don’t know what they’re doing. They’ve botched the rollout. It’s been very, very difficult for their citizens. So, because it’s been successful, even though there are long lines in Florida, it’s been successful the rollout, people are going to where they think they can get the healthcare that they need.”
Donalds also ridiculed Democratic members of the House, such as Reps. Steve Cohen of Tennessee and Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey, who accused Republicans that tours they gave in the days prior to protesters breaching the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 amounted to “reconnaissance.”
Although he has not seen the actual comments, “I’m going to go ahead and say it’s stupid,” Donalds said. “No. 2, they’re never going to keep me quiet from saying the things that need to be said about the way our government runs and what needs to happen for the people of America and in the best interests of the future of America.”
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