Washington, D.C.— Florida Congressman Brian Mast (R) has been fined $500 by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi for not wearing a mask on the House floor. This was his first offense. His second offense will cost him $2,500.
According to Rep. Mast, who put out a press release moments ago about the fine he received, he was fined for following the COVID-19 guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The CDC has recently stated that anyone who has been fully vaccinated for the coronavirus did not have to continue wearing a mask in public, but Speaker Pelosi issued an edict of sorts mandating members to wear masks inside the House Chamber.
Mast, who pointed out that the attending physician in the Capitol stated that those fully vaccinated members “can resume activities without wearing a mask,” pushed back, accusing Pelosi of ignoring CDC guidelines and using her position to wield “power and control over the American People.”
“The truth is, from this moment on, Americans must ignore lies and start to listen to scientists,” stated Rep. Mast. “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? For her, this has never been about science, it's always been about power and control over the American people."
Mast will not pay the fine but believes that Pelosi will direct the House of Representatives to take the $500 right out of his paycheck.
In a text message to The Floridian, Mast questions if Pelosi could event legally “garnish” his wages.
“I’m not even convinced that they can legally garnish my wages for doing something the CDC says it’s fine. It shows you how off Pelosi and the majority are that they think people need to share their personal health issues, or can mandate what they do with it and then find them for non-compliance,” stated Mast. “You could smoke in the capital, if you’re a member of Congress and get away with it but not be there without a mask.”
Texas Rep. Beth Van Duyne (R) was also fined alongside Mast.
