“During that time, CDC will work with government agencies to help inform a revised policy framework for when, and under what circumstances, masks should be required in the public transportation corridor,” the official added. “This revised framework will be based on the COVID-19 community levels, risk of new variants, national data, and the latest science. We will communicate any updates publicly if and/or when they change.”

The mandate’s previous deadline was March 18, the publication reported, noting that a group of 92 Republicans had sent a letter demanding an end to the mandate to TSA Administrator David Pekoske on Wednesday.

“Forty-nine states have lifted their mask mandates, and the last holdout – Hawaii – will end its mandate on March 25,” Tea Party Patriots Action said in response to the news. “The Biden Administration’s response?  Extend the mask mandate on planes, trains, and in transit hubs until April 18.  And when the new deadline comes, they’ll probably extend it again.”

“Our economy, our health, our children and their education – all of them harmed by unnecessary and damaging lockdowns, vaccine mandates, and mask mandates,” the organization added. “The Administration made the wrong decision today.  We’re not surprised.”

Republican Kentucky Senator Rand Paul had promised earlier Thursday to force a vote in mid March ending “unscientific” mask mandates on planes and public transportation.