Covid-19 booster shots to be offered in the US: Live updates – CNN

President Biden criticized governors who are "trying to block and intimidate local school officials and educators" over the use of masks in schools, calling the actions "wrong" and "unacceptable."

Biden announced that he is directing Education Secretary Miguel Cardona to use "all of hisoversight authorities and legalaction, if appropriate, againstgovernors who are trying toblock and intimidate localschool officials and educators," as they attempt to combat the spread of Covid-19.

Biden continued, "If you aren'tgoing to fight Covid-19, atleast get out of the way ofeveryone else who's trying.You know, we're not going to sitby as governors try to block andintimidate educators protectingour children."

Biden said that if a governor is threatening to withhold pay from an educator, federal resources from the American Rescue Plan can be used to pay the salary, "100%."

"The CDC, saysmasks are critical, especiallyfor those who are not yetvaccinated like our childrenunder the age of 12.So let's put politics aside.Let's follow the educators andthe scientists, who know a lotmore about how to teach ourchildren and keep them safe thanany politician. This administration is alwaysgoing to take the side of ourchildren," the President said.

The comments were Bidens latest against governors Ron DeSantis of Florida and Greg Abbott of Texas who have blocked mask mandates, although he did not do so by name.

Biden thanked officials who were standing up to their state and local officials and said he was not going to sit by as Governors try to block and intimidate educators protecting our children.

CNN's Allie Malloy contributed reporting to this post.

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Covid-19 booster shots to be offered in the US: Live updates - CNN