COLUMBUS – As COVD-19 cases begin to rise again and health officials warn of the dangers of “respiratory virus season,” an Ohio federal lawmaker wants to ban mask mandates.
Republican U.S. Sen. JD Vance is planning to introduce the Freedom to Breathe Act, which would prohibit any federal official, including the president, from issuing mask mandates applying to domestic air travel, public transit, schools or universities.
“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,” Vance said. “This legislation will ensure that no federal bureaucracy, no commercial airline, and no public school can impose the misguided policies of the past.”
The measure would also forbid airlines, transit authorities, and educational institutions from refusing service to individuals who choose not to wear a mask, according to a release from Vance’s office.
On Thursday, Vance says he will request unanimous consent on the measure, which would bypass debate.
If approved, Vance’s bill would remain in effect through all of 2024 if approved, he said.
State health officials last week confirmed that the first case of the COVID-19 variant BA.2.86 had been confirmed in Ohio.