Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB125

Introduced
1/9/23  
Refer
1/9/23  
Refer
1/20/23  
Refer
2/1/23  

Caption

Travel Mask Mandate Repeal Act of 2023 This bill prohibits federal agencies from mandating the use of masks or face coverings on planes, trains, buses, and other public conveyances and at transportation hubs to prevent the transmission of COVID-19. Specifically, the bill nullifies (1) the rule issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on January 29, 2021, that mandates such use of masks or face coverings; and (2) orders and directives of the Transportation Security Administration that relate to the CDC rule.

Impact

The enactment of HB 125 would mean that federal agencies can no longer issue or enforce orders requiring masks in public transportation settings. This move is seen as a significant reduction in federal control over health measures related to the ongoing pandemic. The CDC’s previous rules, which aimed to protect public health, would no longer have any legal force or effect, reshaping the regulatory landscape around health guidelines for travel.

Summary

House Bill 125, titled the 'Travel Mask Mandate Repeal Act of 2023', aims to prohibit any federal agency from imposing mask mandates on public transportation systems. This includes all forms of public conveyance such as trains, planes, and buses, as well as transportation hubs, to curb the spread of COVID-19. The bill essentially nullifies existing mandates issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) that require individuals to wear face masks in these environments.

Contention

The bill has garnered both support and opposition. Proponents argue that it reflects a necessary step toward personal freedom and choice, allowing individuals to decide for themselves whether to wear a mask rather than being mandated to do so by federal authorities. Conversely, critics express concern that the removal of these mandates could increase the risk of COVID-19 transmission, especially in crowded settings. Public health advocates warn that such actions could undermine efforts to manage and contain outbreaks as the nation continues to navigate the complexities of the pandemic.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB81

Travel Mask Mandate Repeal Act of 2025This bill prohibits federal agencies from imposing a mandate related to COVID-19 that requires the use of face masks on conveyances (e.g., planes, trains, and buses) and at transportation hubs.Further, the bill nullifies (1) the emergency order issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on January 29, 2021, that mandates such use of face masks on public and commercial conveyances and at transportation hubs, and (2) orders and directives of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) that relate to the CDC order.As background, the CDC and TSA ceased enforcement of the emergency order following an April 18, 2022, court order. Further, the COVID-19 public health emergency expired on May 11, 2023.

US HB185

This bill nullifies the order issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention titled Amended Order Implementing Presidential Proclamation on Advancing the Safe Resumption of Global Travel During the COVID-19 Pandemic and published on April 7, 2022. (The order restricts the entry of noncitizens who are not immigrants into the United States by air travel unless they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or otherwise attest that they will take public health measures to prevent the spread of the disease.) The bill also nullifies any successor or subsequent orders that require foreign persons traveling by air to show proof of a COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of entry and prohibits the use of federal funds to administer or enforce such a requirement.

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 HB74

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.

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 SB5

To Allow A Student Who Attends A Public School District That Mandates The Use Of Face Masks, Face Shields, Or Other Face Coverings To Transfer To A Public School District Of His Or Her Choice; And To Declare An Emergency.

US HB1007

To Allow A Student Who Attends A Public School District That Mandates The Use Of Face Masks, Face Shields, Or Other Face Coverings To Transfer To A Public School District Of His Or Her Choice; And To Declare An Emergency.

US HB1

FEHB Protection Act of 2025

US SB172

No Mask Mandates Act of 2023

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.