House GOP Protest Mask Mandates
As Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi insists on keeping her mask mandate in place for the U.S. House of Representatives, several House Republicans are refusing to wear them. Pelosi has threatened those who don’t wear masks with a $500 fine for a first offense and $2,500 after that.
During a Republican conference meeting, Representative Brain Mast of Florida declared that he would no longer wear a mask on the House floor. Mast then said that several of his fellow Republicans agreed to do the same.
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene tweeted a picture of herself along with Representatives Mary Miller from Illinois, Ralph Norman from South Carolina, and Thomas Massie from Kentucky saying, "Masks are oppressive and nothing but a political tool. End the oppression!"
Rep. Greene posted another picture with seven other Republicans outside the Capitol, "Proud to join these Patriots for a peaceful protest on the House floor against mask mandates!"
Rep. Massie also tweeted:
"We've had enough. We are refusing to wear our masks on the floor during this vote in spite of Pelosi's threat to take $500 from each of us. Her rule is not based on science. All you need to know is the mask rule has only ever applied to members when they can be seen on TV!"
Other Republican representatives joining in the anti-mask protest include Lauren Boebert from Colorado, Bob Good from Virginia, and Greg Steube from Florida, and Chip Roy and Beth Van Duyne from Texas.
The Senate has not had a similar controversy never having a mask mandate. Prominent members of both parties are no longer wearing masks since the CDC altered recommendations saying that vaccinated folks may no longer wear masks indoors.
Douglas Phillips is a native Texan, having been born and raised in the Lone Star State. He writes on political philosophy and current events.
