Mike Quigley: “I would suggest that this legislation comes from that same denial caucus that if you don't like history then change it…”

“I would suggest that this legislation comes from that same denial caucus that if you don't like history then change it or ignore it; if you don't like facts and you don't like science, then you ignore it. You do that at great risk, Mr. Chairman. We have had epidemics and we have had pandemics in our past, and we will have them again. If we are not prepared, then we risk people's lives. This amendment would prohibit the Department of Transportation and its agencies and public transportation operators from complying with any Federal law or regulation that requires an individual to wear a mask on public transportation or transportation hubs such as airports or any other circumstances. Let's be clear: There is currently no Federal mask requirement in place for users or employees of public transportation, yet this amendment would leave the Federal Government ill-equipped to implement evidence-based policies that protect the health and safety of the public and of essential workers in the event we are faced with another public health emergency such as a dangerous new COVID-19 variant or another even more deadly pandemic.…”