GOP leaders have responded with defiance to new masking guidance from public health officials, who advise that even fully vaccinated people return to wearing masks indoors if they live in areas with high rates of virus transmission. Office of Attending Physician, Brian Monahan, reinstituted the mask mandate in all House office buildings, meeting areas, and the chamber to prevent the spread of the coronavirus among members and staff, the Washington Post reported.
“For all House Office Buildings, the Hall of the House, and House Committee Meetings, wearing of a well-fitted, medical-grade, filtration face mask is required when an individual is in an interior space and other individuals are present,” the memo said. “To be clear, for meetings in an enclosed US House of Representatives controlled space, masks are REQUIRED.”
Some GOP leaders criticize Nancy Pelosi, blame her for the mandate, and refuse to wear masks on the floor.
When questioned about it, Pelosi stated to reporters, “We always just follow the guidance of the Capitol physician. There is no discussion about should we do it, should we not for one reason or another. It’s the decision of the Capitol physician, who is following the guidance of the CDC about the masks.”
Mike Rogers commented on Twitter, “Power-trip Pelosi is making vaccinated folks at the Capitol wear masks – refusal to comply w/ this political theatre could result in arrest. Speaker Pelosi is more focused on D.C. swamp theatre than addressing skyrocketing violence, the crisis at our border, & sky-high inflation.”
Rep. Barry Moore posted a video on Twitter. He tweeted, “It’s NOT Pelosi’s House – it’s the PEOPLE’S House.”
Rep. Jerry Carl stated, “This is a ridiculous abuse of power by Nancy Pelosi. It’s this People’s house, NOT Pelosi’s House!”
Rep. Gary Palmer stated on Twitter, “Remember when they said “two weeks to slow the spread”? That’s now turned into “show me your papers.” While I encourage everyone to get the vaccine, coercion into doing so is unacceptable.”
Many Republicans have declined to say whether they have been vaccinated. Some represent areas with the biggest spikes in infections.
