Topline
Two House Republicans, Marjorie Taylor Greene (R.Ga.) & Chip Roy (R.Texas), were the leaders of a protest where House Republicans refused to follow the House's mask mandate. They were each fined by an ethics panel Wednesday for being maskless on the House Floor.
WASHINGTON DC - AUGUST 24, U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, (R), talks to U.S. Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) in front of the House Chambers at U.S Capitol on August 24, 2021 in Washington DC. The House approved the $3.5 trillion budget and will likely vote on the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act tonight. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images). Getty Images
The Key Facts
Greene and Roy were each fined by House Sergeant at Arms for being maskless in the House chamber August 2. They did not file appeals. The House Ethics Committee made two statements Wednesday. The House Republicans have lashed out at Capitol Physician Brian Monahans decision to reimpose this mandate in July. This mandate had been lifted in full the month before, and many eschewed masks on the House Floor in late July and early august. Greene was previously fined $500 in May for violating mask mandate again. This decision was upheld by the Ethics Committee. She will now be subject to a $2,500 penalty for her third offense. Roy, who was issued a warning for the first offense in May, will face a $500 penalty. He told Forbes that he did not appeal as it would be futile to appeal to tyrannical rulers. Forbes also learned that he could lose his right to sue if he feels the need.
Important Background
Greene and Ralph Norman (R.S.C.), filed a lawsuit against Nancy Pelosi, House Speaker, to challenge the mask fines. They claim that the fact that they are taken from members' paychecks violates Constitutions 27th Amendment. This states that a law changing the pay of lawmakers cannot be implemented until after an election.
Tangent
Norman, who stated to Forbes in July that he did not believe it was necessary to wear a face mask since he had been vaccinated, compared the mandate with requiring members to dye their hair and wear blue socks. He was later confirmed positive for coronavirus one week later.
Important Quote
Individuals are being forced to take financial hits right now. Roy explained that this is the tyranny and the danger of the fine to Forbes in August, after several Republicans refused to cover up on the floor under the threat of being fined.
