After growing tired of Republicans breaking the rules by refusing to wear masks at hearings and meetings, Democrats are now threatening to ban Republicans if they continue to show up without masks.
Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-SC), who chairs the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis, sent a letter to ranking member Steve Scalise (R-LA) this week warning that he would not allow lawmakers to enter meetings without face coverings, according to BuzzFeed News.
“Going forward, as long as the Attending Physician’s requirement to wear masks is in place,” Clyburn wrote, “I will not permit any Member of this Subcommittee to participate in-person in any Committee meeting or hearing unless the Member is wearing a mask and strictly adheres to the Attending Physician’s guidance.”
“For the United States House of Representatives meetings, in a limited and closed space such as a committee hearing room for greater than 15 minutes face coverings are required,” Clyburn told lawmakers Friday, “and we’re not going to have another meeting in a confined space if we’re not going to abide by this. I will stay in the safety of my home as I would ask all you to do.”
Scalise, on the other hand, believes that social distancing is enough and face masks should not be required – despite doctors saying otherwise.
“I understand doctors might look at things differently and want to give even extra precautions, but the precautions that have been out there are clearly being followed,” Scalise said.
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