Congressional Republicans Move To Abolish All COVID Restrictions

Congressional Republicans are spearheading legislation that will officially mark the end of coronavirus restrictions in America by prohibiting all federally funded entities from imposing mask mandates and requiring proof of vaccination, according to a copy of the bill obtained by the Washington Free Beacon.

The America Reopens Act—introduced on Thursday by Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R., Fla) and three other Florida Republicans—would halt all federal-level COVID restrictions, including the transportation mask mandate, such as those in effect for air travel. Any entity that receives federal funding would also be prohibited from requiring proof of vaccination and face coverings.

The bill is meant to codify similar policies being enacted at the state level, including Gimenez's home state of Florida, where Republican governor Ron DeSantis has been at the forefront of abolishing COVID restrictions. The bill comes amid growing national opposition to COVID restrictions and signals that frustration is reaching a critical mass in Congress. Gimenez and supporters say it is well past time for Congress to step in and abolish Biden administration regulations they see as draconian and increasingly unnecessary.