Bill 117 HR 8408, also known as the Federal Mask Mandate Limitations Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to limit the authority of the federal government to mandate the wearing of masks in response to public health emergencies.
The bill states that the federal government cannot require individuals to wear masks, except in certain circumstances. These circumstances include when an individual is in a healthcare setting or when traveling on public transportation. The bill also prohibits the federal government from imposing fines or penalties on individuals who choose not to wear masks.
Supporters of the bill argue that mandating mask-wearing infringes on individual freedoms and that decisions about mask-wearing should be left to state and local governments. They also argue that there is insufficient evidence to support the effectiveness of mask-wearing in preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
Opponents of the bill argue that mask-wearing is an important public health measure that can help prevent the spread of diseases like COVID-19. They argue that the federal government has a responsibility to protect public health and that mandating mask-wearing is a necessary measure to achieve this goal.
Overall, the Federal Mask Mandate Limitations Act is a controversial piece of legislation that raises important questions about the balance between individual freedoms and public health. It will be interesting to see how this bill progresses through the legislative process and what impact it may have on future public health policies.