Nancy Pelosi Says Masks Are Mandatory To Speak On House Floor

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is now requiring everyone to wear masks while speaking on the chamber’s floor.

“Members will not be recognized unless they are wearing a mask and recognition will be withdrawn if they remove the mask while speaking,” Pelosi announced Tuesday. “The chair appreciates the continued attention of all members and staff to these principles.”

36 members in the House and Senate have tested positive for COVID-19.

Masks were already required in the chamber, but until now members been allowed to take off their masks when speaking on the House floor. 

Rep.-elect Marjorie Taylor Greene responded to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s announcement on Twitter, calling the mandate “an oppressive violation of my rights.”

Pelosi has spoken positively about the incoming administration’s plans for a 100-day mask mandate to help curb the pandemic.

In early December, the Capitol’s Attending Physician Brian Monahan stated that everyone should wear surgical masks “at any time you are in the company of another person, inside or outside,” and also called on representatives to not attend receptions and dinners during the holidays.

Sources: The Hill and Breitbart; Photo: Getty Images