The US judge has overturned the CDC's mask requirement for public transportation.
Key Takeaways:
- On Monday, a federal judge in the United States struck down President Joe Biden's administration's Covid-19 public transportation mask law.
- US airlines and many Republican senators have protested the CDC's mask mandate, which was issued on February 3, 2021, shortly after Biden took office.
A federal judge in the United States overturned President Joe Biden's administration's Covid-19 mask rule for public transit on Monday.
According to US District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle of the Middle District of Florida, the CDC's legislative jurisdiction is exceeded by the mask mandate (CDC).
The CDC has extended the regulation requiring face masks on flights, subways, trains, buses, taxis, and other modes of public transportation until May 3 due to an increase in coronavirus cases.
The mask mandate, published by the CDC on February 3, 2021, shortly after Biden assumed office, has been criticized by US airlines and several Republican senators.
Mizelle, a nominee of former Republican President Donald Trump, issued her decision in a lawsuit filed in July 2021 by the Health Freedom Defense Fund, a conservative non-profit organization, and two individual plaintiffs.
The mask order "exceeded the CDC's legislative power" and "failed to fully explain its judgments," the judge found, even though the public had a "strong interest" in preventing the spread of Covid.
In a 59-page opinion, Mizelle noted, "Because our system does not permit agencies to act unlawfully even in pursuit of desired purposes, the Court finds unconstitutional and vacates the Mask Mandate."
The White House press secretary, Jen Psaki, termed the decision "disappointing."
Psaki stated, "The CDC continues to urge wearing a mask in public transit."
The Justice Department, which might appeal the decision, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.