The White House expressed dismay on Monday about a federal judge overturning the Biden administration’s transportation mask mandate and promised to review the case ahead of any potential litigation.
The federal mask mandate for public transportation and transportation hubs was vacated earlier in the day by U.S. District Judge Kathryn Mizelle in Tampa, eliminating the requirement at least temporarily for travelers across the country.
FLORIDA JUDGE OVERTURNS FEDERAL MASK MANDATE FOR TRANSPORTATION
“This is obviously a disappointing decision,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki said when asked about the ruling. “The CDC continues recommending wearing a mask on public transit.”
The mandate had recently been extended to May by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It was unclear whether its remains in effect Monday.
Psaki added that the CDC and Department of Homeland Security are reviewing the decision and that the Department of Justice would make “any determinations about litigation.”
Mandatory masking on public transit and airlines has proven controversial. Airline groups have lobbied to end the mandate, while several GOP lawmakers ramped up pressure recently on the Biden administration to rescind what they argue is an “unnecessary” mandate. Meanwhile, a group of 21 states sued the administration last month over the mandate.
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Conservatives celebrated the news.
“Judge Mizelle’s ruling is a long awaited and welcome victory for freedom,” said Tea Party Patriots Action Honorary Chairwoman Jenny Beth Martin. “The federal public transportation mask mandate was heavy-handed, intrusive government at its worst — imposed by politicians and bureaucrats whose only interest was maniacal control of the American people. It was never based on science, it only spread fear among the traveling public, and it was never in the best interest of our country.”
It remains to be seen whether the Biden administration will appeal the decision. The CDC’s latest extension to the mask mandate ran for only two weeks and was due to end on May 3.
