Rep. Brian Mast, R-Fla., said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi fined him $500 for adhering to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance on mask-wearing, according to a press release.
Mast, who has received the shot, did not wear a mask onto the House floor, violating a rule established by Pelosi.
He said he followed expert guidance and should not have been fined.
The CDC announced updated physical separation and mask guidance on May 16, stating that “fully vaccinated” people “can resume activities that you did prior to the pandemic” without “wearing a mask or physically distancing.”
The CDC said that Americans should continue to obey local, state, and federal regulations regarding masks, even though they are unnecessary.
“The truth is, from this moment on, Americans must ignore lies and start to listen to scientists,” Mast said. “The scientists at the CDC are telling us if you are fully vaccinated, you can go about your life without wearing a mask or physically distancing.
“So, that’s what I’m doing. The question people should be asking is why is Speaker Pelosi not?,” he asked.” For her, this has never been about science, it’s always been about power and control over the American people.”
Pelosi’s insistence on enforcing useless and humiliating mask mandates directly contradicts the Capitol’s top doctor.
The Capitol Attending Physician affirmed the CDC’s new guidance and said that representatives “can resume activities without wearing a mask or staying 6 feet apart” in the Capitol Complex.
Pelosi said she will fine second-time offenders $2,500.
