This week, an elementary school in Montgomery County, Md., reimposed a mask mandate for students. Some hospitals in New York and California have also brought back mandatory masks for all visitors. 

Senate and congressional Republicans came together on legislation to ensure that doesn’t become a trend nationwide.

U.S. Sen. Katie Britt was vocal about her support for The Freedom to Breathe Act. 

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, draconian shutdowns and mask mandates inflicted immense damage across our nation,” said Britt (R-Montgomery). Just look at the consequences our children faced, from devastating learning loss that put students years behind to deteriorating mental health in kids and teenagers.”

RELATED: Britt back in action at Wiregrass event

The bill’s author, Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) moved for unanimous consent Thursday, citing a “bipartisan” opportunity.

“Democrats say they’re not going to bring back mask mandates – we’re going to hold them to their word,” Vance said. 

As written, the law would prohibit any federal official, including the president, from issuing mask mandates applying to schools, commercial airlines and public transportation.

It would also stop those institutions from refusing service to individuals who choose not to wear a mask.

In a few minutes, I’ll join Senator @JDVance1 on the Senate floor as he moves to pass a bill to ban federal mask mandates.

I’m proud to cosponsor this commonsense legislation — and if Democrats don’t plan on bringing lockdowns and mandates back, it should pass unanimously. https://t.co/LmjqApzGNX

— Senator Katie Boyd Britt (@SenKatieBritt) September 7, 2023

“Enough is enough,” Britt said.

“More than three years later, it’s clear we need to embrace individual liberty and facts rather than a society gripped by fear. Democrats have claimed that mask mandates and lockdowns are not coming back – however, their objection to this legislation reveals their true intentions.” 

The Senate took up the legislation under unanimous consent but was blocked by Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.)

Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270