Even as his administration pushes substantial federal remedies to the almost two-year-old pandemic, President Biden said on a call with governors Monday that he agrees with two GOP state executives that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to mitigating COVID-19.
Biden made the remark after Arkansas Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson, who is also the chair of the National Governors Association, warned Obama against taking moves that would put states in jeopardy while they fight the virus.
"One word of caution or encouragement for your team: while you consider federal measures to assist relieve the problem, make careful that federal solutions do not get in the way of state solutions," Hutchinson stated.
"The federal government's manufacture of 500 million fast tests is fantastic, but it obviously dries up the supply chain for the answers that we may offer as governor."
"There is no such thing as a federal solution. This is resolved on a state-by-state basis "Before citing another Republican governor, Biden responded.
"On the board, I'm looking at [New Hampshire] Governor [Chris] Sununu. He frequently mentions it "Biden stated the following.
"And it all comes down to where the rubber hits the road, and that's when the patient needs help, or may be helped to avoid needing help."
Biden, on the other hand, has positioned the federal government as a key player in pandemic preparedness. Several states have been investigated by the Education Department for prohibiting school mask mandates.
The president continues to require masks at airports, airlines, and public transit, and his government has increased fines for individuals who refuse to comply.
In addition, the administration is currently defending its vaccine mandate for private enterprises with more than 100 employees in the Supreme Court.
During the call on Monday, the president expressed confidence in the United States' ability to handle the omicron variant, stating that it "should not be a source of alarm."
"This isn't March 2020, when the pandemic first broke out. We're ready, and we know what it takes to save lives, protect people, and keep schools and businesses open during a disaster "Biden went on to say.
"My message to governors is straightforward. Say anything if you need something."
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