Lankford, Vance Introduce Legislation to Ban Federal Mask Mandates

WASHINGTON, DC – Senator James Lankford (R-OK) joined Senator JD Vance (R-OH) on the Freedom to Breathe Act, which would prevent the reimposition of federal mask mandates in the United States.

“Individual responsibility is part of the bedrock of our great nation. Americans should have the freedom to choose to wear a mask or not without fear of punishment from their government,” said Lankford.

“We tried mask mandates once in this country. They failed to control the spread of respiratory viruses, violated basic bodily freedom, and set our fellow citizens against one another,” said Vance. “This legislation will ensure that no federal bureaucracy, no commercial airline, and no public school can impose the misguided policies of the past. Democrats say they’re not going to bring back mask mandates – we’re going to hold them to their word.”

The Freedom to Breathe Act, which would apply through the end of 2024, would prohibit any federal official, including the President, from issuing mask mandates applying to domestic air travel, public transit systems, or primary, secondary, and post-secondary schools. The legislation would also prohibit air carriers, transit authorities, and educational institutions from refusing service to individuals who choose not to wear a mask.

Public health “experts” and university officials are calling for the reimposition of mask mandates at schools, business, and in public spaces. The Hill recently reported that some businesses have already reimposed mask mandates.

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