US HB3236

Prohibits any federal officer or employee from establishing, implementing, or enforcing face mask requirements for members of the Armed Forces while serving on active duty

Provides an exception allowing the Secretary of Defense to require face masks for personnel whose duties traditionally involve personal protective equipment for operational or safety reasons

Cites the WHO's May 5, 2023 declaration ending the global COVID-19 public health emergency as justification for the prohibition

Argues that mask requirements absent a declared national emergency undermine uniform professionalism, harm servicemember morale, and detract from the Armed Forces' core mission