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No Mask Mandates Act of 2023

12/15/2023, 4:05 PM

Summary of Bill S 172

Bill 118 s 172, also known as the No Mask Mandates Act of 2023, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The bill aims to prohibit any federal, state, or local government entity from implementing or enforcing mask mandates in response to public health emergencies.

If passed, the No Mask Mandates Act would prevent government officials from requiring individuals to wear masks in public spaces, schools, or workplaces. The bill argues that mask mandates infringe upon individual freedoms and rights, and that decisions regarding mask-wearing should be left to the discretion of each individual.

Supporters of the bill believe that mask mandates are unnecessary and ineffective in preventing the spread of diseases, and that individuals should have the right to make their own choices regarding their health and safety. Critics, however, argue that mask mandates are a crucial tool in controlling the spread of infectious diseases and protecting public health. The No Mask Mandates Act of 2023 has sparked debate among lawmakers and the public, with strong opinions on both sides of the issue. As the bill continues to be discussed and debated in Congress, it remains to be seen whether it will ultimately be passed into law.

Congressional Summary of S 172

No Mask Mandates Act of 2023

This bill nullifies existing federal mask mandates and prohibits future actions to require individuals to wear face masks to respond to COVID-19 and other public health emergencies.

Specifically, the bill nullifies

  • the executive order issued on January 20, 2021, that addresses the use of face masks in federal buildings and on federal lands; and
  • the emergency order issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on January 29, 2021, that required the use of face masks on public transportation conveyances and in transportation hubs until the order was struck down by a court on April 18, 2022.

In addition, the bill prohibits (1) federal agencies or offices from issuing any future orders that mandate face masks or using previously appropriated federal funds to implement or enforce masking requirements to respond to COVID-19, and (2) the Department of Health and Human Services from requiring face masks in response to any declared public health emergency.

Current Status of Bill S 172

Bill S 172 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since January 31, 2023. Bill S 172 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the Senate on January 31, 2023.  Bill S 172's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. as of January 31, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 172

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
1
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
0
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 172

Primary Policy Focus

Health

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