Bill Overview
Title: Unmasking of Americans Act of 2022
Description: This bill prohibits the Transportation Security Administration from enforcing or implementing any federal government directive, regulation, or requirement relating to the wearing of a mask in public transportation systems.
Sponsors: Rep. Gimenez, Carlos A. [R-FL-26]
Target Audience
Population: People who use public transportation systems worldwide
Estimated Size: 80000000
- The bill affects mask mandates for public transportation systems.
- A large portion of the population uses public transportation at some point.
- The bill is titled 'Unmasking of Americans Act', which emphasizes its focus on U.S. citizens.
- Mask mandates have been particularly relevant due to COVID-19, affecting individuals using public transport.
- The U.S. Urbanized Area population, which heavily relies on public transportation, stands in the tens of millions.
Reasoning
- The policy primarily affects individuals who regularly use public transportation, such as commuters in urban areas.
- The policy does not require federal funding beyond administrative changes and is likely cost-neutral for operational needs.
- People who are health conscious or in vulnerable groups may react negatively, as the policy removes mask requirements.
- Conversely, individuals opposing mask mandates may welcome the policy, seeing it as a return to personal freedom.
- This policy might have varying impact depending on infection rates and public health situations at the time of implementation.
- Given the low-cost nature and extensive reach, the policy could have widespread effects without necessitating large funding.
Simulated Interviews
Office Manager (New York City, NY)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I understand that some people don't like masks, but I feel safer with them, especially during flu season.
- I'm worried that without mask mandates, I'll feel more exposed, especially with my asthma.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 9 |
Public Relations Specialist (Chicago, IL)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I never liked mask mandates. It's about personal choice in my opinion.
- I'm glad the policy limits mask regulations. It feels like a step towards normalcy.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
School Teacher (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think this policy is not a big concern for me. I don't use public transit often enough.
- However, I'd still encourage mask use during cold and flu season for safety.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Retired Engineer (Miami, FL)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm grateful the policy won't force me to wear a mask anymore, but I'll choose to wear it due to my health.
- Everyone should have the right to decide for themselves.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
College Student (Austin, TX)
Age: 22 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I always wear a mask due to my health issues. This policy scares me because it decreases my protection.
- I hope people still act considerately even without mandates.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Data Analyst (Boston, MA)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Not having to wear a mask is great, but I'm nervous about flu spreads when traveling.
- I think it's still important to have the option to wear one.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Software Developer (Seattle, WA)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I personally like traveling without a mask as it feels more comfortable.
- As long as people who need masks can still wear them, I'd support the policy.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Barista (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's nice not having to wear a mask sometimes but I wonder how it affects the spread of viruses.
- People should be cautious even if masks aren't mandatory.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Grad Student (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 26 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm relieved not to be required to wear a mask on my daily commute.
- I understand others might feel differently, so I'll be considerate if I notice people around me are cautious.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Healthcare Worker (Philadelphia, PA)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could lead to more illness spreads, especially in my job sector.
- I'm pro-mask in healthcare settings and think it helps keep everyone safer.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 9 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $5000000 (Low: $2000000, High: $7000000)
Year 2: $4500000 (Low: $1500000, High: $6500000)
Year 3: $4000000 (Low: $1000000, High: $6000000)
Year 5: $0 (Low: $0, High: $5000000)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- Ensuring safety and health in public spaces remains a priority; changes in mask mandates could affect public perceptions and transportation usage.
- Administrative efficiency gains and cost savings should be considered.
- Legal aspects and challenges regarding federal mandates should be evaluated.