Senator J.D. Vance | Official U.S. Senate headshot
Senator J.D. Vance | Official U.S. Senate headshot
In a significant development, Senator JD Vance's amendment to the Senate minibus appropriations bill, which prohibits the Department of Transportation from enforcing mask mandates using federal funds, has been passed with a final vote count of 59-38. This ban effectively prevents the enforcement of federal mask mandates on various modes of transportation, including passenger airlines, commuter rail, rapid transit buses, and other transportation programs funded through Fiscal Year 2024.
Senator Vance expressed his satisfaction with the outcome, stating, "This is a massive victory for personal freedom in this country. We saw countless abuses of authority throughout the COVID pandemic, and the American people were justifiably enraged by unscientific mask mandates. Today, the United States Senate took an emphatic step toward common sense and individual liberty. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished here and look forward to continuing the fight."
The senator emphasized the importance of accepting the reality that COVID will remain present in society for the foreseeable future. However, he argued against perpetuating a never-ending cycle of public health panic in response to respiratory viruses. Senator Vance highlighted the negative consequences of mask mandates, including developmental delays for schoolchildren and the division within the American population.
He stated, "If people want to wear masks, of course they should be able to. But if people don’t want to wear masks on airplanes, on transit, they should have that option as well, and that’s all that my amendment does." Senator Vance emphasized that his amendment is narrowly scoped, applicable only for the next 11 months and limited to transportation cases. He urged his colleagues to support the amendment, which he deemed reasonable and in line with the desires of the American people.
It is worth noting that Senator Vance had previously introduced the Freedom to Breathe Act, which aimed to prevent the reimposition of federal mask mandates in the United States. The senator argued that mask mandates had failed to control the spread of respiratory viruses, violated bodily freedom, and created divisions among citizens. He expressed his determination to ensure that no federal bureaucracy, commercial airline, or public school could impose such policies again.
In September, Senator Vance held a joint press conference alongside several other senators to advocate for the ban on federal mask mandates. The U.S. Air Marshal Association also endorsed his bill, further highlighting the support behind his efforts.
The passage of Senator Vance's amendment marks a significant victory for those who believe in personal freedom and individual liberty. By prohibiting the use of federal funds to enforce mask mandates, the amendment aims to address the concerns raised by the American people during the COVID pandemic. As the country continues to navigate the challenges posed by the virus, this decision represents a step towards a more balanced approach in managing public health measures.
To find out more, go to this link: https://www.vance.senate.gov/press-releases/vance-statement-on-passage-of-amendment-banning-mask-mandates
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