“Today, all of my @HouseGOP colleagues & I voted for @RepThomasMassie’s resolution to eliminate the COVID vaccine mandate for foreign travelers.”
Representative Debbie Lesko (R-AZ) tweeted after the House of Representatives passed a bill seeking to end the COVID-19 vaccine requirement in place for travelers visiting the United States.
Published on
feb 9, 2023
Why It Matters: As of now, most adults visiting the U.S. who are not citizens or permanent residents must show proof of vaccination prior to their flight. However, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 227 to 201 to drop the vaccine requirement. It is unclear if the bill will move to the Senate for a vote.
- The White House plans to end the COVID-19 public health emergency on May 11. They do not support the House bill and said, “As we approach the end of the public health emergency, the administration will review all relevant policies, including this one."
- The U.S. Travel Association released a statement saying, "We appreciate the bipartisan action by the U.S. House to end this outdated policy. U.S. Travel also sees no reason to uphold the requirement until May—particularly as visitors from around the world plan spring and summer travel."
U.S. House Votes to End Foreign Air Traveler COVID Vaccine Requirement (U.S. News, Reuters)
