House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced Tuesday all lawmakers must wear masks on the House floor, even when they are speaking.
Pelosi, presiding over a pro forma session, said, “Masks will now be required at all times in the hall of the House without exception, including while members are under recognition.”
Lawmakers will be blocked from addressing the House, the California Democrat said, “if they remove the mask while speaking.”
Pelosi has gradually increased COVID-19-related safety measures since the outbreak began. The latest move comes amid criticism that some lawmakers do not wear masks on the House floor, particularly when they are at the lectern speaking.
Earlier this year, lawmakers voted over unanimous GOP objections to allow members to vote by proxy instead of showing up in person. Pelosi is now weighing remote voting, which would permit lawmakers to use secure electronic devices to vote while away from the Capitol.
