Staff Reports
Ohio Republican Senator J.D. Vance is determined to enact legislation prohibiting federal mask mandates, despite the Democrats' control of the Senate. Vance introduced the Freedom to Breathe Act, which prohibits the federal government from mandating the use of face masks in a variety of contexts, including domestic air travel, public transportation, and schools. However, the measure was not considered on the floor, and Vance expressed his disappointment with the outcome.
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Vance disputed the Democrats' assertions that no one wants to reinstate mask mandates by pointing out that they opposed his efforts to prohibit them. He promised to continue working on the legislation from multiple aspects. The measure is co-sponsored by Missouri Senator Josh Hawley, Missouri Senator Eric Schmitt, and Indiana Senator Mike Braun, but Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is unlikely to prioritize it.
Senator Schmitt defended the effort to outlaw mask mandates at a press conference, arguing that the traumatic experiences caused by the pandemic should never occur again. There are indications that mandates are returning, he argued, as some school districts and federal programs have already implemented them. At the press conference, Senator Vance and Senator Schmitt were accompanied by Senate Minority Whip John Thune and Senate Republican Conference Chairman John Barrasso.
Thune criticized the Democrats for exploiting any leniency extended to them, describing their behavior as "crazy." He advocated addressing the issue of disguise requirements and eliminating these onerous regulations. Former orthopedic surgeon Barrasso emphasized the significance of protecting individual and state liberties and preventing the federal government from imposing one-size-fits-all policies.
The bill is in response to a Maryland school district's decision to reinstate mask requirements and to President Biden's decision to wear a mask indoors after his wife tested positive for COVID-19. In the Republican-controlled House, Vance's legislation has a better chance of passage, whereas it may encounter obstacles in the Senate. Senate Republicans have struggled to repeal certain COVID-19 provisions, including the vaccine mandate for the military.
