REPUBLICANS FIGHT BACK: Sen. Rand Paul introduces legislation to repeal UNCONSTITUTIONAL mask mandate on planes

Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) will introduce legislation to repeal the mask mandate on planes when the Senate session returns.

“When the Senate returns to session, I will be introducing an immediate repeal of the mask mandate on planes. Enough! Time to stop this farce and let people travel in peace!” Paul tweeted Thursday. Rand Paul has been a vocal supporter of personal responsibility during the pandemic, “If you’ve had the disease or you’ve been vaccinated and you’re several weeks out from the second dose, throw your mask away.”

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced Tuesday that it had fined a passenger $10,500 for refusing to wear a face mask during a February flight. In a press release, the agency said that a passenger had taken an Allegiant Air flight on Feb. 27 going from Provo, Utah, to Mesa, Ariz., and allegedly refused to wear the mask properly over both his nose and mouth.

“Flight attendants instructed him seven separate times to wear his facemask properly, and each time he moved it off of his nose after the flight attendant walked away,” the release said. “When told that he needed to cooperate and provide information to fill out a passenger disturbance report, he argued with the flight attendant, refused to provide his identification, said he would continue to pull his facemask down, and claimed that it was fine just over his mouth,” the release continued.

With limited exceptions, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which mandates that all travelers wear masks when flying, has not changed its position. Many state governments have relaxed COVID-19 restrictions. TSA’s current mandate will remain in effect until September 13.