0
0

Travel Mask Mandate Repeal Act of 2025

1/31/2025, 1:34 PM

Summary of Bill HR 81

Bill 119 HR 81, also known as the "Mask Mandate Prohibition Act," aims to prevent the enforcement of mask mandates on public transportation in the United States. The bill specifically targets any federal, state, or local government entity from imposing requirements for individuals to wear masks while using public transportation services.

The legislation argues that mask mandates infringe upon individual freedoms and rights, and that the decision to wear a mask should be left to the discretion of each individual. Proponents of the bill believe that mask mandates are unnecessary and overly restrictive, and that they do not effectively prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

If passed, Bill 119 HR 81 would prohibit any government entity from enforcing mask mandates on public transportation, including buses, trains, airplanes, and other forms of public transit. The bill would also prevent any federal funding from being used to implement or enforce such mandates. Opponents of the bill argue that mask mandates are an important public health measure to prevent the spread of contagious diseases, such as COVID-19. They believe that requiring individuals to wear masks on public transportation helps to protect both passengers and transportation workers from potential exposure to harmful pathogens. Overall, Bill 119 HR 81 is a controversial piece of legislation that raises important questions about the balance between individual freedoms and public health concerns. It remains to be seen how the bill will be received by Congress and whether it will ultimately become law.

Congressional Summary of HR 81

Travel Mask Mandate Repeal Act of 2025

This 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.

Current Status of Bill HR 81

Bill HR 81 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since January 3, 2025. Bill HR 81 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on January 3, 2025.  Bill HR 81's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security. as of January 3, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 81

Total Number of Sponsors
8
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
8
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
1
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
1
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 81

Primary Policy Focus

Transportation and Public Works

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 81

To prohibit the imposition of mask mandates on public transportation.
To prohibit the imposition of mask mandates on public transportation.

Comments