The Senate passed a resolution Thursday that would end the national emergency for COVID-19, but it is unlikely to pass the House.
The resolution, which was sponsored by Senate Republicans, narrowly passed 48-47 along party lines.
Five senators, including three Democrats, were absent, giving Republicans the votes needed for the resolution to pass.
"We must repeal this emergency declaration today to deliver a symbolic victory to our citizens that normalcy is around the corner and that limited government and our constitutional rights still reign supreme," said Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Ky.) on the Senate Floor Thursday.
The national emergency has been in effect for two years, giving the government flexibilities outside of normal laws to respond to the pandemic.
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The Biden administration issued a statement opposing the resolution, stating it still needs those authorities to respond to COVID-19.
"The national emergency enables the administration to more effectively respond to COVID-19, including ensuring that necessary supplies are promptly available to respond to the virus and facilitating the delivery of healthcare at a time when our health system has been under tremendous and prolonged stress," the Office of Management and Budget wrote in a statement.
