October 26, 2023 |
Photo – Face masks – Bigfoot99 file photo
The U.S. Senate on Thursday passed an amendment to the omnibus appropriations bill that prohibits the Department of Transportation from using any federal money to enforce face mask mandates.
The amendment, as passed, bans mask mandates on passenger airlines, commuter rail, rapid transit buses, and any other transportation program funding through Fiscal Year 2024.
Wyoming Senators John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis praised the amendment which was drafted by Senator JD Vance of Ohio. All three are Republicans.
Today, the Senate took an important step in protecting the freedoms and rights of all Americans,” said Senator Barrasso. “The federal government has no business mandating Americans wear masks on airlines or public transit.
Sen. Lummis characterized the amendment as common sense and a big win for states’ rights. “We cannot expect the people of Wyoming to forgo their personal freedoms for misguided and ineffective mask mandates,”
The 59-38 vote included several Democrats. It restricts any federal funds from being used to enforce mask mandates on passenger flights, trains, transit buses, and other publicly funded transportation through the next fiscal year.
