UNMASK Act

This legislation, known as the "UNMASK Act" , aims to prohibit the Federal Government from establishing, implementing, or enforcing any requirement for members of the Armed Forces to wear a face mask while serving on active duty. The bill's findings assert that universal mask usage is no longer justified for military personnel, citing the end of the global Public Health Emergency for COVID-19 and the widespread availability of vaccines and treatments. Congress finds that maintaining face coverings in the Department of Defense, absent a declared national emergency, risks undermining the professionalism and integrity of the uniform. It also states that such mandates adversely impact servicemember morale and detract from the core mission of the Armed Forces. An important exception allows the Secretary of Defense to require masks for duties that traditionally involve wearing personal protective equipment for operational or safety reasons.