Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB74

Introduced
1/9/23  

Caption

This bill prohibits the use of federal funds to implement or enforce mandates that require individuals to wear face coverings or receive vaccinations to prevent the spread of COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). The bill provides for an exception that applies in health care settings.

Impact

The bill, if enacted, would significantly alter the relationship between state policies and federal funding, particularly concerning health mandates. By restricting federal funding in this manner, the bill may have profound consequences for public health initiatives, especially in contexts where federal support is crucial for managing health crises. Potential outcomes include a reduction in available resources for state and local health departments, thereby exacerbating challenges faced in maintaining public health during ongoing or future emergencies.

Summary

House Bill 74 prohibits the use of federal funds to implement or enforce any mandates that require individuals to wear face coverings or receive vaccinations aimed at controlling the spread of COVID-19. The legislation is designed to protect individual liberties by preventing government impositions regarding personal health decisions, particularly concerning face masks and vaccinations. One notable exception is made for healthcare settings, where such mandates may still be enforced due to the nature of health-related requirements.

Contention

The legislation has sparked considerable debate among lawmakers and public health officials. Supporters argue that it upholds personal choice and guards against government overreach, particularly in light of the contentious debates surrounding COVID-19 health mandates. Critics, however, assert that the restriction of federal funds could hinder effective public health responses and lead to greater risks of transmission during public health emergencies. The opposition highlights concerns about community safety and the potential public health consequences of limiting protective measures.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB72

This bill prohibits the use of federal funds to maintain a database or collect information that can be used to identify an individual's COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) vaccination status.

US HB403

No Mandates Act This bill prohibits federal agencies and certain entities that receive federal funding from requiring COVID-19 vaccinations. Specifically, federal agencies may not issue rules, regulations, or guidance that require an individual to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. The bill also prohibits requiring a COVID-19 vaccination to access federal property and services or congressional grounds and services. Additionally, an entity that received federal COVID-19 relief funds or receives other federal funds after this bill's enactment may not require a COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of providing any service to an individual.

US HB117

This bill prohibits any entity that receives specified COVID-19 relief funds from mandating COVID-19 vaccines for its employees. An entity that violates this prohibition must return the funding it received.

US HB4

To prohibit the use of Federal funds to propose, establish, implement, or enforce any requirement that an individual wear a mask or other face covering, or be vaccinated, to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and for other purposes.

US HB372

Protecting Life and Taxpayers Act of 2023 This bill requires federally funded entities to certify that they will not, subject to certain exceptions, perform abortions or provide funding to other entities that perform abortions. The bill provides exceptions for abortions (1) in cases of rape or incest; or (2) when the life of the woman is in danger due to a physical disorder, injury, or illness.

US HB435

Protecting Life on College Campus Act of 2023 This bill prohibits the award of federal funds to an institution of higher education (IHE) that hosts or is affiliated with a school-based service site that provides abortion drugs or abortions to its students or to employees of the IHE or the site. An IHE that hosts or is affiliated with a site must, in order to remain eligible for federal funds, annually certify that the site does not provide abortion drugs or abortions to students or employees.

US SB16

Protecting Life on College Campus Act of 2023 This bill prohibits the award of federal funds to an institution of higher education (IHE) that hosts or is affiliated with a school-based service site that provides abortion drugs or abortions to its students or to employees of the IHE or the site. An IHE that hosts or is affiliated with a site must, in order to remain eligible for federal funds, annually certify that the site does not provide abortion drugs or abortions to students or employees.

US HB434

Service Restoration Act This bill prohibits the use of federal funds to require a member of the Armed Forces, or a cadet or midshipman at a military service academy, to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. Additionally, no such individuals may be subject to adverse action solely on the basis of a refusal to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. At the request of an individual who was involuntarily separated from an Armed Force solely because of a refusal to receive a COVID-19 vaccination, the military department concerned must reinstate the individual as a member of the Armed Force in the same rank and grade the individual held at the time of separation, expunge from the individual's military service record any reference to adverse action related to the refusal to receive a COVID-19 vaccination, and include the period between the involuntary separation and reinstatement in the computation of retired or retainer pay of the individual. The bill requires that the discharge of members due to the failure to obey a lawful order to receive a COVID-19 vaccination must be categorized as an honorable discharge, including for individuals who were discharged prior to the enactment of this bill.

US HB174

No Federal Funding for Teacher's Unions Act This bill prohibits labor organizations of education professionals from receiving federal funds.

US HB371

Defund Planned Parenthood Act of 2023 This bill restricts federal funding for Planned Parenthood Federation of America Inc. or any of its affiliates or clinics for one year. Specifically, it prohibits funding those entities unless they certify that the affiliates and clinics will not perform, and will not provide funds to entities that perform, abortions during that year. If the certification requirement is not met, the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Agriculture must recoup any federal assistance received by those entities. However, the bill's funding restriction does not apply to abortions performed in cases of rape or incest or when necessary to resolve a physical condition that endangers a woman's life. The bill also provides additional funding for community health centers for the one-year period. These funds are subject to the same abortion-related restrictions and exceptions.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.