TSA to Drop Federal Mask Mandate on Public Transit After Florida Federal Judge Ruled Against It

The TSA or Transportation Security Administration has decided to stop implementing the federal mask mandate on public transit, which was enforced by U.S. President Joe Biden's administration.

The decision came after a Florida federal judge struck down the mask mandate on planes, trains, and other modes of public transportation, according to an Axios News report.

U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle noted that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has exceeded its "statutory authority," as well as having failed to "properly justify its decision."

The lawsuit was filed last July by the Health Freedom Defense Fund and two other individuals.

The Health Freedom Defense Fund is "a non-profit organization that opposes laws and regulations that force individuals" to go under the administration of medical products, procedures, and devices against their will.

TSA Dropping Federal Mask Mandate

A Biden administration official said that the agencies are reviewing the decision and assessing possible next steps, adding that in the meantime, the court's decision will mean CDC's public transportation mask mandate is not in effect, according to an NPR News report.

The official added that the TSA will not impose its Security Directives and Emergency Amendment, which requires mask use on public transportation and transportation hubs at this time.

Mizelle argues in a 59-page ruling that the mask mandate violates the Administrative Procedure Act, with the agency's failure to prove its decision on implementing the mandate.

Meanwhile, the White House called the federal judge's decision against the mask mandate for public transit "disappointing."

However, it said that the administration's response was still under review.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters during a press conference that the judge's ruling was "obviously a disappointing decision."

Psaki said that the Department of Justice would make any determination about litigation.

The press secretary added that Homeland Security will be implementing the court's decision while the CDC will review the ruling.

Governors from 21 states had filed a lawsuit against the Biden administration to end the federal public transportation mandate last month.

TSA Federal Mask Mandate

In March, TSA announced that it will be extending the executive directive for mask use in public transportation and transportation hubs for one more month at CDC's recommendation, according to its released statement.

The agency added that it will communicate any updates publicly if and when they change.

TSA Administrator David Pekoske said in a statement that the agency is collaborating with industry and federal partners, describing it as "instrumental through the pandemic," according to an NBC News report.

Pekoske said that they are seeing a light at the end of the tunnel with the rapid recovery of the travel industry.

They announced a change in COVID-19 guidance in February. However, the mask mandate has remained in place.

The CDC said at the time that most Americas were safe without a mask in indoor settings.

Any amendments applied to the mask guidance were heavily based on the number of COVID-19 cases as a key measure.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Mary Webber

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