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.
And now Dr. FauXi recommends putting up a second fence.
It’s not about “science”—it’s about compliance.
Cowards and maskers ... sorry for the repetition. Grown men scared senseless over a virus with a 99.9% survivability rate. America truly has devolved into a nation of cowards ... a nation of p*ssies for those “men” who “feel” the “need” to wear a mask even when outdoors. Pathetic! I say!
Now they say you are supposed to wear two masks. They doubled down.
Screw face diapers!!!!!
It’s a Demoncat / communist plot. This whole damn thing !!!!
If masks are so effective, why do we have tens of thousands of healthcare workers testing positive for Covid?
They care more about wearing useless masks than my right to vote. When are they going to fix election laws and eliminate election fraud in PA. I want my right to vote back. All of them are bunch of useless idiots.
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