US Federal 2023-2024 Regular Session

US Federal House Bill HB185

Introduced

1/9/23

Refer

1/9/23

Refer

1/20/23

Engrossed

2/9/23

Caption

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.

Impact

If enacted, HB 185 would effectively eliminate the vaccination requirements for foreign travelers, which could potentially increase the influx of international visitors and trade. This change would align with emerging sentiments toward relaxing COVID-19-related restrictions and reflect a broader move to return to pre-pandemic travel norms. However, it raises questions regarding health safety measures and the implications of decreased public health oversight for travelers entering the United States.

Summary

House Bill 185 aims to terminate the existing requirement imposed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for foreign travelers to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination prior to entering the United States. Specifically, it nullifies an order that restricts the entry of noncitizens not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 unless they agree to follow certain public health measures. The bill prohibits federal funds from being used to administer or enforce these vaccination requirements, signifying a significant shift in federal travel policies related to the pandemic.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 185 is mixed and largely polarized. Proponents, primarily from the Republican party, argue that the bill supports freedoms, economic recovery, and the restoration of normalcy in travel. They posit that maintaining vaccination requirements may deter visitors and hinder economic activity. Conversely, critics express concern that removing vaccination requirements may compromise public health safety, particularly in light of ongoing variations of the COVID-19 virus. The debates point to a deeper ideological divide regarding public health versus individual freedoms and economic interests.

Contention

Key points of contention include debates over health safety and the balance between personal freedoms and community health. Opposition voices emphasize the importance of vaccination as a tool in controlling virus spread, while supporters argue that requiring proof of vaccination for foreign travelers is an overreach. Moreover, the scheduled report by the CDC on the number of visitors denied entry under the prior order adds a layer of accountability and data that may influence future policies.

Companion Bills

US HR97

Related bill Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 185) to terminate the requirement imposed by the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for proof of COVID-19 vaccination for foreign travelers, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 24) disapproving the action of the District of Columbia Council in approving the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022; and providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 26) disapproving the action of the District of Columbia Council in approving the Revised Criminal Code Act of 2022.

US SB455

Related bill Travel Freedom Act

US HB3094

Related bill To terminate the requirement imposed by the Secretary of Homeland Security for proof of COVID-19 vaccination for foreign travelers, and for other purposes.

Previously Filed As

US HB119

Freedom from Mandates Act This bill nullifies certain executive orders regarding COVID-19 safety and prohibits the Departments of Labor and Health and Human Services (HHS) from taking specified actions with respect to vaccination against COVID-19. Specifically, the bill nullifies Executive Order 14042 (relating to ensuring adequate COVID-19 safety protocols for federal contractors) and Executive Order 14043 (requiring COVID-19 vaccination for federal employees). Labor may not issue any rule requiring employers to mandate vaccination of employees against COVID-19 or requiring testing of employees who are unvaccinated. HHS may not (1) require a health care provider, as a condition of participation in the Medicare or Medicaid program, to mandate vaccination of employees against COVID-19 or require testing of employees who are unvaccinated; or (2) otherwise penalize such a provider for failure to mandate such vaccination or require such testing.

US HB125

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.

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 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 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 HB118

No Vaccine Passports Act This bill prohibits certain actions related to vaccine passports and proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Specifically, a federal agency may not issue a vaccine passport, vaccine pass, or other standardized documentation for the purpose of certifying the COVID-19 vaccination status of a U.S. citizen to a third party, or otherwise publish or share any COVID-19 vaccination record of a U.S. citizen or similar health information. Additionally, proof of COVID-19 vaccination shall not be required to access federal or congressional property or services.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.