As coronavirus surges, GOP lawmakers are moving to limit public health powers

In recent weeks, a measles outbreak in parts of the U.S. has led to a renewed discussion on vaccinations and their impacts on society. Some have called for certain vaccines to be mandatory while others have argued this would be an overreach of government power that infringes on individual liberty and religious beliefs.

The balancing of liberty and security is difficult, particularly in times of crisis. During the COVID-19 pandemic, both national and state governments across the country have exercised expansive powers to enact policies in an effort to slow the spread of the virus.