Three Democratic members of Congress have tested positive for coronavirus in the past week after they were confined in a safe area of the Capitol with unmasked Republicans as Trump-supporting insurrectionists stormed the building, NBC News reports.
Democrats Brad Schneider of Illinois, Pramila Jayapal of Washington, and Bonnie Wilson Coleman of New Jersey have all tested positive in the last week. They were all in a “safe room” with a number of Republicans who refused to wear facemasks, scoffing at the risk of coronavirus.
Masks are required on the floor of the House, but no in adjoining meeting rooms or House offices. Republicans regularly flout the rules on the floor, endangering their colleagues and House staff, without repercussions. It is unclear if any of the people, including the representatives, are taking actions to isolate after exposure to an infected person.
Jayapal is calling for a revision of House rules that would fine members who refuse to wear masks in meetings and on the floor. Her revision also provides for the Sergeant at Arms to remove members who refuse to follow the public safety requirements.
“I am also calling for serious fines to be immediately levied on every single Member who refuses to wear a mask in the Capitol,” Jayapal said in the statement. “Additionally, any Member who refuses to wear a mask should be immediately removed from the floor by the Sergeant at Arms. This is not a joke. Our lives and our livelihoods are at risk, and anyone who refuses to wear a mask should be fully held accountable for endangering our lives because of their selfish idiocy.”