Ernst Calls on Biden to Withdraw Mask Mandate Appeal

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) is calling on the Biden administration to withdraw their appeal of the U.S. District Court’s decision striking down the federal mask mandate.

In a letter to the Attorney General, Ernst writes, “I have long been supportive of individuals taking action to protect their own health. However, your attempt to continue this mandate takes the decision making out of the hands of individuals and creates uncertainty for travelers, as well as businesses tasked with enforcing this unpopular mandate…In addition to being overly burdensome, the mandate is inconsistent with policies instated by cities and states across the country who have elected to repeal their own mask mandates, as well as commentary by President Biden.”

She continues, “As cities across the United States continue to fully reopen, I respectfully request that the Biden Administration withdraw their appeal.”

Ernst also asked that written responses to the following questions be submitted to Congress within 30 days:

1. Is there scientific evidence that masking while traveling reduces the spread of COVID-19 either in the individual’s originating or destination site?
2. Is the administration weighing national case counts while making decisions on whether or not to enforce mask mandates for domestic travel? If so, what is the threshold that would allow individuals to travel without masking?
3. What guidance and/or support has the administration provided to businesses tasked with enforcing the travel mask mandate?

To read the full letter, click here.

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