House Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton of Philadelphia has received many complaints from her caucus members about people violating the House's mask-wearing policy implemented to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Posted on 01/26/2021 4:34:43 PM PST by lightman
Frustrations over some lawmakers’ refusal to wear masks to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives chamber brought action to brief halt on Tuesday.
House Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton of Philadelphia pointed out to House Speaker Bryan Cutler, R-Lancaster County, that she counted over 30 members on the House floor who were unmasked in violation of the bipartisan-backed policy approved last summer requiring face coverings on the House floor during session.
Cutler, standing at the rostrum looking down over the chamber with a mask covering his face, said, “Obviously I have a slightly different viewpoint being upfront, I’ve seen members on both sides of the aisles not wearing their masks. I kindly encourage those who are able to do so please wear your masks or return to your offices.”
McClinton responded: “Mr. Speaker, I didn’t say whose side of the aisle unmasked people were. I don’t see any on my side.”
At that point, Cutler put the House at ease and called McClinton to the rostrum to discuss the matter. Mask exceptions on Pa. House floor
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives' mask policy allows members, such as Rep. Todd Stephens, R-Montgomery County, shown here, to take off their mask when talking at the microphone or eating or drinking. Jan. 26, 2021 Screenshot from video on Pa. House YouTube channel
When the session resumed about five minutes later, Cutler reminded members that there is an exception to the mask policy when members are talking at the microphone or eating or drinking.
“I personally observed members on both sides of the aisles not strictly adhering to the policy,” Cutler said. “I’d encourage members to do so so we can expeditiously move the issues that are currently before the House.”
The mask issue has been an ongoing concern for Democratic members, many of whom participate in the House session from their offices rather than come to the House floor. It also was an issue brought up in the Senate by Democratic members at the start of the Jan. 5 Swearing-in Day that held up action until all of its members put on masks.
Cutler’s spokesman Mike Straub said having the speaker announce the policy on the floor is enforcing the policy but noted the Pennsylvania Constitution allows elected members to represent their districts on the floor when the House is in session.
“There are times when members from both sides of the aisle are not wearing masks,” Straub said. “If any member feels another member is in violation of the [mask] policy, they can file a complaint [with their caucus member]. That would be the appropriate action.”
House Republican spokesman Jason Gottesman said no GOP member has filed a complaint since this legislative session began on Jan. 5. Meanwhile, House Democratic spokesman Bill Patton said McClinton has received “more than we can count” from Democratic members.
House Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton of Philadelphia has received many complaints from her caucus members about people violating the House's mask-wearing policy implemented to curb the spread of COVID-19. Jan. 26, 2021 Screenshot from video on Pa. House YouTube channel
“We have expressed multiple complaints on multiple days to Republican leadership about this intolerable situation,” Patton said.
Rep. Margo Davidson, D-Delaware County, called it “rude and obnoxious” that members are not concerned not only about their own health but that of others.
“It’s not like there hasn’t been multiple members with COVID,” she said. “Does someone have to die to realize this is just reckless behavior. If they can’t wear a mask and don’t want to wear a mask, they don’t have to come to the floor as opposed to endangering the health of others who are trying to stay safe.”
But Rep. Russ Diamond, R-Lebanon County, who frequently is seen maskless around the Capitol, said the opposite is true, too. If members don’t feel comfortable coming to the floor where they may encounter people not wearing masks, they can stay in their offices. He said there are legitimate medical exceptions to the mask policy and questioning members why they aren’t wearing masks is an invasion of their privacy.
As for him, he said he doesn’t force himself into the personal space of those who wear masks.
“I don’t do that,” he said. “I stay away from people who aren’t comfortable.”
To date, seven Republican members and four Democrats have announced they tested positive for COVID-19. Meanwhile, positive tests have been reported by three Republican members and one Democrat.
House Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton of Philadelphia has received many complaints from her caucus members about people violating the House's mask-wearing policy implemented to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Pennsylvania Ping!
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This explains it all:
The damn muzzles DO NOT “curb the spread of covid19”. Glad to see more people standing up to this social control garbage, and if it shuts down government, all the better.
if one assumes that masks are effective, and, one is wearing a mask, then what difference does it make if someone else is not wearing one?
Originally it was wear a mask if you’re within 6 feet of someone. Now it’s wear a mask AND stay 6 feet apart.
"My mask protects you.
Your mask protects me."
“ I kindly encourage those who are able to do so please wear your masks or return to your offices.”
Sweet, I’ll be in my office if anyone needs me.
The snouts almost look worse than the basic gag.
I’m a little disappointed in the numbers for Republican women; they should be much lower. And wearing masks indoors — the numbers for both Republican men and women are too high.
And the numbers for are way too high for Democrats who are concerned about exposure at work...? Democrats work?
Masks don’t do squat. If .003 microns of virii can get in and out, there’s no protection in the masks.
Yup...like using a chain link fence for mosquito netting.
Kinda funny to see demographic pushing for compliance with shackles.
So what if they refuse to mask up. Covid has a 0.01 percent change of killing them anyway
Somebody tell her to chill out. The steal is in. No need for the panicdemic now that the “rats control DC.
I’d walk around the chamber with a unlit cigar hanging out of my open mouth all day out of respect for a former President!
So what if they refuse to mask up. Covid has a 0.01 percent change of killing them anyway
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This information is available from scientific sources on the internet. Not just one or two sources but many and many are international scientific journals.
Not only that thE WHO and the UN have told the US government that the above is true and if people still think they have to do something to protect themselves they ought to make their own masks...works better than medical masks, etc.
Furthermore we are doing a massive disservice to our kids not letting them back into school. All kinds of adverse results if they don’t get back into school.
Mostly the problem of adequate understand is due to parents not having adequate school to understand the basic science involved or the social consequences of extended separation.
Very good analogy!
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