TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas labor leader apologized Wednesday for remarks he made during a legislative hearing comparing COVID-19 vaccine mandates to the Holocaust that killed millions of Jews.

Cornell Beard said the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers has "a long, proud tradition of welcoming everyone into the labor movement." Beard is president of the union's Wichita district.

Beard said his remarks were taken out of context but added, "I wholeheartedly apologize to the Jewish community."

"Although it was not my intent, my comments came off as insensitive regarding...