Legis Daily

UNMASK Act

USA119th CongressHR-3236| House 
| Updated: 5/7/2025
Tony Gonzales

Tony Gonzales

Republican Representative

Texas

Armed Services Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
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.
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Timeline
May 7, 2025
Introduced in House
May 7, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
  • May 7, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • May 7, 2025
    Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.

Armed Forces and National Security

UNMASK Act

USA119th CongressHR-3236| House 
| Updated: 5/7/2025
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.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
May 7, 2025
Introduced in House
May 7, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
  • May 7, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • May 7, 2025
    Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
Tony Gonzales

Tony Gonzales

Republican Representative

Texas

Armed Services Committee

Armed Forces and National Security

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted