Republican Texas Sen. Ted Cruz mocked Democratic New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo for signing an executive order that fines health care providers for unauthorized distribution of the coronavirus vaccine.
The order, signed by Cuomo on Sunday, imposes fines to health care providers that ignore the state’s vaccine protocols. A provider who gives the vaccine to anyone not authorized to receive it could have its license revoked and face up to a $1 million fine, WETM reported. Additionally, the order requires the certification of vaccine recipients.
Reacting to a tweet from Buck Sexton showing a screengrab of Cuomo announcing his order, Cruz compared the New York governor to a Dr. Evil, a character from the “Austin Powers” movie series.
“Cuomo: ‘I will fine any doctor one meeee-lion dollars for daring to administer a Covid vaccine to anyone who the government doesn’t pre-authorize.’ Next time, hold your pinky to your lips,” Cruz tweeted, along with the hashtag #partyofscience.
Cuomo: “I will fine any doctor one meeee-lion dollars for daring to administer a Covid vaccine to anyone who the government doesn’t pre-authorize.”#PartyOfScience
Next time, hold your pinky to your lips. https://t.co/C7p6eYaeig pic.twitter.com/D4RnOdBXl9
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) January 4, 2021
New York State police and the state’s department of health are reportedly investigating ParCare Community Health Network, a provider that allegedly received and administered the vaccine on a “first come, first served” basis instead of prioritizing health care workers and nursing home residents. (RELATED: Prayer To Open The 117th Congress Ended With ‘Amen And Awoman’)
“My office is launching an investigation into ParCare over allegations that it wrongfully distributed and administered COVID-19 vaccines,” New York Attorney General Letitia James said last week. “In order for the vaccine to be most effective in protecting our communities, we must all follow the same distribution plan. We will not tolerate any attempts to circumvent that process.”