House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler took a moment to criticize members who he said weren’t wearing masks during a hearing with Attorney General William Barr on Tuesday.
After a period of questioning between Democratic Rep. Cedric Richmond of Louisiana and Barr, Nadler singled out the lawmakers, which included Republican ranking member Jim Jordan of Ohio and GOP Rep. Andy Biggs of Arizona.
“The gentleman yields back. I would remind Mr. Jordan, Mr. Biggs, and Mr. Johnson to stop violating the rules of the committee,” Nadler said. “To stop violating the safety of the members of the committee. To stop holding themselves out as not caring by refusing to wear their masks.”
It is unclear which Johnson Nadler was referring to since there are two members with that last name on the committee: Democrat Hank Johnson of Georgia and Republican Mike Johnson of Louisiana.
“Is it permissible to drink a sip of coffee?” someone asked after Nadler snapped.
“It is not permissible,” Nadler responded.
“We can’t drink coffee?” someone can be heard saying before Nadler banged his gavel.
Barr is testifying before the Judiciary Committee on Tuesday. He defended the Justice Department’s actions amid allegations of politicization by Democrats. The hearing had previously been set for March but was delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic.
