Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene introduced a bill on Friday that seeks to prohibit the federal government from reinstating mask mandates on air travel, public transit, and in schools.
The legislation, called the Freedom to Breathe Act, would not only prevent federal officials, including President Biden, from imposing mask mandates in these settings, but also prohibit commercial airlines, public transit authorities, and educational institutions from denying services to individuals who choose not to wear a mask.
This bill comes at a time when businesses and schools across the country are implementing mask mandates due to the increasing number of COVID-19 cases.
Greene specifically called out Morris College, a university in Atlanta, for reinstating a mask mandate in August, expressing frustration with what she sees as “COVID hysteria.”
In a statement announcing the legislation, Greene criticized Dr. Fauci for privately recommending against mask-wearing while publicly advocating for it, stating that Americans should not be subjected to “unscientific and nonsensical health mandates like blanket masking policies.”
The bill would also prevent Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra from issuing mask mandates during public health emergencies and prohibit federal funding from being used to impose mask mandates in planes, public transit, and classrooms.
The legislation has gained support from multiple lawmakers in the GOP-controlled House, with 13 cosponsors so far. It is also a companion bill to a measure introduced by Sen. J.D. Vance, an Ohio Republican.
However, Vance’s version of the bill was blocked in the Senate by Sen. Ed Markey, a Democrat from Massachusetts. Markey argued that the bill would hinder state and local officials from making decisions in the best interest of their communities.
Perspective: While the proposed legislation by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene seeks to block federal mask requirements, it is important to acknowledge the ongoing debate surrounding the effectiveness of masks in preventing the spread of COVID-19. While some argue that mask mandates are necessary for public health and safety, others believe that such mandates infringe upon personal freedom and individual choice. As the pandemic continues to evolve, finding a balanced approach that takes into consideration both public health concerns and individual rights remains crucial.
