Bill Overview
Title: America Reopens Act
Description: This bill restricts the implementation and enforcement of various COVID-19 response measures in transportation, education, and other areas. Specifically, the bill prohibits any federal agency or federally funded entity from requiring that U.S. citizens or permanent residents wear face coverings or show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or testing when using public conveyances (e.g., planes or trains) or transportation hubs when traveling domestically or returning from foreign countries. Further, Canadian and Mexican nationals may enter the United States for business through land ports of entry without regard to their COVID-19 vaccination status. The bill also restricts federal funding of public institutions of higher education unless the institution (1) makes in-person instruction available to all students; and (2) allows students to opt out of COVID-19 requirements concerning vaccination, testing, and face covering. This restriction does not apply to distance education programs offered for reasons unrelated to COVID-19 or certain health-related educational programs. Additionally, the Department of Education must provide grants to parents for certain educational expenses, such as tuition at a private school, if their child lacks access to in-person instruction at a public elementary or secondary school due to COVID-19. The bill also prohibits the use of federal funds to implement or enforce a system or plan for verifying an individual's COVID-19 vaccination status, such as vaccine passports.
Sponsors: Rep. Gimenez, Carlos A. [R-FL-26]
Target Audience
Population: People impacted by the removal of COVID-19 restrictions in transportation and education
Estimated Size: 250000000
- The bill affects all U.S. citizens and permanent residents who travel using public transportation like planes or trains, as it removes mandates for masks and COVID-19 documentation.
- It impacts U.S. students in public higher education by enforcing in-person instruction and removing COVID-19 related restrictions.
- All public school students whose instruction is affected by COVID-19 policies are included, as their parents might have the option to use federal grants for other educational expenses if in-person instruction isn't available.
- Canadian and Mexican nationals traveling into the U.S. for business may enter without restrictions related to vaccination, expanding their ability to conduct business in the U.S.
- The overall population affected includes all those potentially traveling into, out of, or within the U.S. who are subject to federal transport regulations.
Reasoning
- This policy affects a wide demographic, especially those who rely on public transportation and are involved in higher education.
- Not everyone will feel the impact equally—those who prefer or need COVID-19 safety measures will be impacted more significantly.
- The financial grant for education affects families with children in areas where in-person schooling isn't available yet.
- Considering the budget constraints, many of the changes will involve logistical and administrative costs, particularly concerning education support funding.
Simulated Interviews
College Student (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 23 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I appreciate having the option for online classes since I live with my grandmother who is high-risk.
- I'm concerned about being forced back into crowded classrooms.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 8 |
Airline Pilot (New York City, NY)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Fewer restrictions will likely improve the flow of passengers and our work schedules.
- I believe the risk is manageable at this stage of the pandemic.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
High School Teacher (Miami, FL)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- We worked hard to set up safe hybrid environments, and now it seems unnecessary to remove these standards.
- Without masks and vaccines, I'm worried about both my students' and my own health.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 8 |
Factory Worker (Detroit, MI)
Age: 58 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This is a relief as I'm not forced to mask or show proof of vaccination anymore.
- I think everyone should have a choice in these matters.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Graduate Student (Chicago, IL)
Age: 29 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Lab work obviously needs to be in-person, but for other classes, hybrid options are beneficial.
- I'm worried that a lack of safety measures might lead to more disruptions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 9 |
Business Owner (Houston, TX)
Age: 39 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It will definitely make business travel easier for my trade with partners in Mexico.
- I'm glad restrictions are being lifted; it's better for business.
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 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Retired (Boston, MA)
Age: 71 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm nervous about traveling on trains without these safety precautions.
- I understand the need to move on, but I feel less safe now.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 7 |
Public Health Official (Seattle, WA)
Age: 44 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This bill undermines efforts to protect public health, especially for the immunocompromised.
- Long-term, these kinds of decisions could be really damaging to public welfare.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 9 |
Software Engineer (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 27 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy doesn't really impact me much as I mostly work from home and prefer it this way.
- I'm indifferent to the changes.
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 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Freight Truck Driver (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 62 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think fewer restrictions are good for business and help with the flow of goods.
- It's been tough dealing with all the mandates while on the road.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $1000000000 (Low: $700000000, High: $1300000000)
Year 2: $950000000 (Low: $650000000, High: $1250000000)
Year 3: $910000000 (Low: $620000000, High: $1210000000)
Year 5: $850000000 (Low: $580000000, High: $1150000000)
Year 10: $800000000 (Low: $550000000, High: $1100000000)
Year 100: $750000000 (Low: $520000000, High: $1050000000)
Key Considerations
- The balance between reduced enforcement costs and potential increased administrative costs for transitioning to in-person education.
- Public reaction and compliance with shifting guidelines across states with varying COVID-19 policies.
- Impact on health outcomes if COVID-19 cases rise due to lifted restrictions, which could indirectly affect economic aspects.
- Logistical challenges for public transport and education sectors in adapting to new federal standards.