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.
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.
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.
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.