Texas Files Lawsuit to Drop Federal Mask Duty at Airports

Texas Attorney General on Wednesday to sue Removing the Biden administration’s mandate to require passengers to wear masks at airports, on airplanes, and on commuter bus and rail systems.

Many governors, including states led by Democrats, are rolling back mask requirements for indoor public settings as infections from the Omicron variant of the coronavirus have plummeted after a record-breaking increase last month. But forms of public transport are regulated by the federal government.

The federal mandate requiring travelers to wear masks has been extended several times since it was first introduced a year ago, most recently until at least March 18. Short breaks for eating and drinking are allowed. There are exemptions for passengers younger than 2 years old and certain disabled people who cannot wear a mask safely. Passengers who refuse to comply can be fined.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s case was filed in federal court in Fort Worth. He argues that the mask requirement is unconstitutional and that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not have the authority to impose the requirement. The Supreme Court recently refused to hear another case that sought to circumvent jurisdiction.

The country’s top infectious disease specialist, Dr. Anthony Fauci, said in December He said he did not believe the country was approaching a point where masks would no longer be required on airplanes. “Even if you have a good filtration system, I still believe masks are a smart thing to do and we should do it,” he said.

The CDC declined to comment on the case in Texas.

Some airline managers questioned the necessity of mask requirement for air travel. Southwest Airlines’ senior manager, Gary Kelly, said at a Senate hearing in December that he believed masks did not provide significant protection in airplane cabins and that the filtration on airplanes was sufficient. Mr. Kelly, who testified without a mask and recently became the company’s chairman after many years as CEO, tested positive for the virus. later that week.