WASHINGTON—U.S. Representative Scott Franklin (R–Fla.) joined his Florida colleagues in writing a letter – led by Representative Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) – urging President Joe Biden to reconsider implementing any domestic travel restrictions to the Sunshine State.

“As members of the Florida Republican Congressional Delegation, we are concerned about recent reports that your Administration is considering implementing travel restrictions to our beloved home, the Sunshine State. This decision not only lacks merit but is also unequivocally unconstitutional and reeks of partisanship that will only cause reprehensible damage to our state and the more than 21 million Americans who call Florida home,” said the Florida Republican members of Congress.

“Nearly one year ago, while you were running for the Democratic presidential nomination, you called the travel ban from China, the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic, both "xenophobic" and "fear-mongering.” Now, your Administration is reportedly considering a plan that demonstrates an egregious abuse of power in restricting Americans from moving between states––a move that has no standing in science nor law. As the third-largest state in the union, Florida has felt the pain of this pandemic particularly hard. Fortunately, through reasoned leadership and common sense, we have maintained a significantly lower death rate per capita than several states, including New York, Pennsylvania, New Mexico, Texas, and even Washington, D.C.,” the members continued.

“Our constituents need to know their President will not take any misguided actions, such as the reported travel ban directly targeted at Florida. Right now, we need steady leadership and a heightened focus on increasing access to the COVID-19 vaccine. We look forward to playing an integral role in making this a reality,” the letter concluded.

Full text of the letter is available here.

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