The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) said Monday it will no longer enforce the Biden administration's mask mandate for travelers on planes, trains and other forms of public transportation. This decision comes after a federal judge in Florida struck down the mandate on Monday, ruling that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) exceeded its authority.
U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle in Tampa said that the CDC has failed to adequately justify its reasons for the mandate, and did not allow public comment in violation of federal procedures for issuing new rules.
The suit was initially filed last July by the Health Freedom Defense Fund, alongside two other individuals. The Health Freedom Defense Fund defines itself as "a non-profit organization that 'opposes laws and regulations that force individuals to submit to the administration of medical products, procedures, and devices against their will," according to the ruling.
Last week, the CDC extended the mask mandate until May 3--applying to planes, trains, buses and transportation hubs like airports--in response to rising COVID cases in a number of states.
"The CDC recommended continuing the order for additional time--two weeks--to be able to assess the latest science in keeping with its responsibility to protect the American people," White House press security Jen Psaki said during a press conference on Monday. "So, this is obviously a disappointing decision."
"The CDC continues recommending wearing a mask in public transit," Psaki added. "The Department of Homeland Security, who would be implementing, and the CDC are reviewing the decision." Psaki noted that the Department of Justice is also looking into whether it will appeal the Tampa court's decision.
Following the ruling, major airlines including American Airlines (NASDAQ: AAL), United Airlines (NASDAQ: UAL), Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL), Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) and JetBlue Airways (NASDAQ: JBLU) said that masks will no longer be required on domestic flights and on certain international flights (dependent on the arrival country's requirements).
"While this means that our employees are no longer required to wear a mask--and no longer have to enforce a mask requirement for most of the flying public--they will be able to wear mask if they choose to do so, as the CDC continues to strongly recommend wearing a mask on public transit," United said in a statement to CNBC.