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Bill

HR 81

Travel Mask Mandate Repeal Act of 2025

119th Congress Introduced by Andy Biggs and 1 co-sponsor

Repeals federal authority to mandate masks on commercial transportation during public health emergencies, shifting policy decisions to states and individual carriers.

Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
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Bill Summary · HR 81

Legislative bill overview

HR 81 would repeal federal mask mandate requirements for public transportation, including airplanes, trains, buses, and maritime vessels. The bill removes the authority of the Secretary of Transportation and relevant federal agencies to impose or enforce mask requirements during declared public health emergencies on these modes of transportation.

Why is this important

Mask mandates on public transportation were a contentious policy during the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting millions of daily commuters and travelers. This bill reflects ongoing debate about the appropriate federal role in health directives and individual choice, with implications for how future public health emergencies are managed in the transportation sector.

Potential points of contention

  • Federal vs. state authority: Whether transportation mask policies should be determined federally or left to states and local jurisdictions, and how to coordinate responses during multi-state travel
  • Public health preparedness: Whether removing federal mandate authority compromises pandemic response capacity if a future respiratory disease outbreak occurs
  • Individual liberty vs. collective health: The balance between personal choice and protecting vulnerable populations (elderly, immunocompromised) who depend on public transportation
  • Existing agency discretion: The extent to which this limits or eliminates agency flexibility to respond to future health crises proportionally

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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