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Travel Mask Mandate Repeal Act of 2025
1/31/2025, 1:34 PM
Summary of Bill HR 81
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.

