Washington Post: “A Republican senator from Utah is trying to block D.C. Council legislation that would allow children as young as 11 to receive vaccinations without the consent of their parents. Passed 12 to 1 in October, the bill lets doctors decide whether minors are capable of informed consent for government-recommended vaccinations. Minors in the city could exercise this privilege if their parents cited a religious exemption or opted them out of vaccination, including for the human papillomavirus, which is transmitted through sexual contact.”
“Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) – who frequently attempts to overturn D.C. laws – introduced a joint resolution Monday disapproving of the bill, calling it a ‘dangerous violation of parental rights and children’s health.’ Because of D.C.’s unique status as a federal district, legislation passed by the council must be reviewed by Congress before it can become law. A disapproval resolution blocking D.C. laws has not succeeded since 1991, and only three succeeded before then, although Congress has used other mechanisms – such as riders – to block laws relating to government-funded abortions and commercializing marijuana.”