A federal review would be required of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) decision making and messaging on mask guidance for Americans who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 under a bill introduced by U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC).
“The American people should have full confidence that there is transparency and accountability in the decision making process,” said Sen. Tillis, who cosponsored the Restore Public Health Institution Trust Act, S. 2536, with bill sponsor U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) and eight other original cosponsors, including U.S. Sens. Steve Daines (R-MT) and Todd Young (R-IN).
Introduction of the GOP bill follows the CDC’s announcement last week with new guidance that requires indoor masking for all vaccinated individuals in areas reporting over 50 new cases per 100,000 individuals over the previous seven-day period.
“I have been telling North Carolinians since last year that vaccines are the most effective tool we have to return to life as normal and the scientific data has shown that to be true,” said Sen. Tillis. “However, the CDC’s recent mask update sends a confusing message to vaccinated Americans and may even deter other Americans from getting their shots.”
If enacted, S. 2536 would require the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to review: the CDC data being used to make recommendations; the impact that inconsistent messaging has had on Americans’ trust in the institution and willingness to follow the guidance, including as it relates to vaccine uptake; and the degree to which outside entities, like teachers unions, were in a position to impact recommendations, according to a bill summary provided by Sen. Tillis’ staff.
The bill also would require the GAO to make recommendations on ways the CDC should improve its approach, the summary says.