H.R. 3236 — UNMASK Act

This section states congressional findings that (1) the World Health Organization declared an end to the global COVID-19 public health emergency on May 5, 2023, leading the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other agencies to shift away from universal mask guidance; (2) masks are no longer justified for Armed Forces members due to widespread vaccines, therapeutic treatments, and reduced severe COVID-19 outcomes; and (3) maintaining face coverings in the Department of Defense without a declared national emergency undermines uniform professionalism and integrity, servicemember morale, and the Armed Forces' core mission of fighting and winning the nation's wars.

This section prohibits any federal officer or employee from establishing, implementing, or enforcing a requirement for members of the Armed Forces on active duty to wear face masks, notwithstanding any other provision of law. The Secretary of Defense may except from this prohibition members whose duties traditionally involve personal protective equipment or face masks for operational or safety reasons.