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For Immediate Release
Contact: massie.press@mail.house.gov
(202) 225-3465

On January 9, 2023, Representative Thomas Massie filed legislation to end the COVID-19 vaccine mandate placed on international air travelers to the United States. Rep. Massie's bill, HR 185, prevents enforcement of a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) order that was published in the Federal Register on April 7, 2022. The CDC order prohibits international travelers from entering the country unless they first show proof of COVID-19 vaccination. In addition, HR 185 bars the subsequent issuance of any successor orders requiring travelers to prove they have received the COVID-19 vaccine in order to gain entrance to the United States.

"If you watched C-SPAN last week, you saw 434 Members of Congress gathered in the Capitol screaming, yelling, cheering, and speaking. Many of these members are unvaccinated, and many haven't taken boosters," said Rep. Massie. "So, why do we subject visitors who want to see their families to this COVID-19 double standard? The CDC's unscientific mandate is separating too many people from their families and has been doing so for far too long. It needs to end."

Co-sponsors of Rep. Massie's legislation currently include Rep. Mary Miller (R-IL), Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC), Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA), Rep. Bill Posey (R-FL), Rep. Greg Steube (R-FL), Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL), and Rep. Michael Cloud (R-TX).

A copy of HR 185 is available on Representative Massie's website at this link. In addition, a video of Congressman Massie delivering remarks in support of ending the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for foreign travelers may be viewed at this link.