President Joe Biden has defended his new vaccine requirements for federal and healthcare workers and businesses that employ at least 100 workers or ensure they get tested at least once a week. The plan would affect two-thirds of the American workforce.

The six-part plan was unveiled on Thursday and companies could face thousands of dollars in fines a week per employee if they don’t comply.

"We've been patient, but our patience is wearing thin, and your refusal has cost all of us," Biden said. Biden added that the country is becoming “frustrated” with the 80 million people who have not yet received a vaccine.

Biden also expressed disappointment in Republican governors for being “cavalier” with the health of kids and their communities, citing that unvaccinated children are four times more likely to become infected in communities with low vaccination rates. “We’re playing for real here, this is not a game,” Biden added.

Biden provided an incentive for Washington D.C. middle school students attending Brookland Middle School saying they could come to the White House for a visit once they are all vaccinated.

Many Republicans have taken issue with the recent executive orders. South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster tweeted Thursday: “Rest assured, we will fight them to the gates of hell to protect the liberty and livelihood of every South Carolinian.”

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp tweeted: “I will pursue every legal option available to the state of Georgia to stop this blatantly unlawful overreach by the Biden administration.” The Republican National Committee also said it would sue to stop the vaccine mandate on employers.

Texas Gov. Gregg Abbott, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, and Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey have also had reservations with the six-part plan.

“If these governors won’t help us beat the pandemic, I’ll use my power as president to get them out of the way,” Biden said.

When asked about GOP governors planning lawsuits Biden replied “Have at it.”

“We know that vaccination requirements work,” Jeff Zients, Biden’s Covid-19 coordinator, told reporters at a Friday briefing. “Vaccination requirements are the current standard employed by so many corporations. The president’s actions will accelerate that number.”

Some businesses have expressed support for the president's plan. Business Roundtable President Joshua Bolten said the group “welcomes the Biden administration’s continued vigilance in the fight against COVID,” The Wall Street Journal reports.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 62.7% of the country has received at least one dose of the vaccine and 53.4% have been fully vaccinated.

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