GOP Celebrates Judge Striking Down Mask Mandate
(Undated) — Republicans are rejoicing after a federal judge ruled the mask mandate on planes and other forms of public transportation is unconstitutional. Missouri Attorney General, and U.S. Senate candidate, Eric Schmitt tweeted “Covid authoritarianism belongs on the ash heap of history.” Arizona Congressman Andy Biggs tweeted “No more masks!” Florida Governor Ron DeSantis also celebrated the ruling with a tweet of his own.
The judge said the CDC overstepped its authority and declared the rule invalid. It was recently extended through May 3rd due to concerns about a new subvariant of Omicron [[ ahm-ih-cron ]]. It’s unclear if the CDC will appeal.
White House Disappointed By Judge’s Ruling Ousting Mask Mandate
(Washington, DC) — The White House press secretary says a judge’s order lifting the federal mask mandate on public transportation is a disappointing decision.
Press Secretary Jen Psaki –who is expected to leave the White House for a postion at MSNBC–said the Justice Department will decide whether to challenge the order. A federal judge in Florida struck down the mask mandate for airlines, trains, subways and buses. She said the CDC overstepped its authority by ordering and extending the requirement. Psaki said the White House urges people to continue wearing masks on public transportation while things are sorted out. White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki says a judge’s order lifting the federal mask mandate on public transportation is a disappointing decision.