UNMASK Act
The UNMASK Act would prohibit the Federal Government from establishing, implementing, or enforcing any requirement for members of the U.S. Armed Forces to wear a face mask while on active duty, unless the duties themselves involve activities that traditionally require PPE or other masks for safety reasons. In short, the bill aims to end universal mask mandates for service members when not directly related to their military duties. The Secretary of Defense would retain authority to require PPE (including masks) in situations where such equipment is needed for specific duties. The bill grounds itself in findings about the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency and argues that masking in the armed forces is no longer justified and could undermine professionalism and morale. The measure is introduced in the House and applies to active-duty service members; it would not create a general policy for civilian federal employees, and it does not apply to reservists or National Guard members not on active duty unless they are serving in that capacity.
Key Points
- 1Prohibition: No federal officer or employee may establish, implement, or enforce any requirement for active-duty Armed Forces members to wear a face mask.
- 2Scope of prohibition: This ban covers any federal mandate for masks unless the exception for PPE applies.
- 3Exception: The Secretary of Defense may require members to wear PPE, including an appropriate face mask, when their duties involve activities that traditionally require such equipment for safety or operational reasons.
- 4Short title: The bill is titled the “Undoing and Nullifying Mandates so our Armed Services Keep Succeeding Act” or the “UNMASK Act.”
- 5Legislative intent/finding: The bill cites the World Health Organization’s declaration that the global COVID-19 Public Health Emergency ended, vaccines and treatments are widely available, and masking is no longer justified for service members; it emphasizes preserving uniform professionalism, morale, and focus on core military missions.