US Capitol Police Face GOP Backlash Over "Arrest for Mask Refusal" Policy... "Go Ahead and Arrest"

"All Considered Illegal Intruders if Not Wearing Masks"
Republicans Unite in Opposition: "Pelosi's Plot to Seize the House"

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] As the U.S. Capitol Police warned that anyone entering the Capitol who does not wear a mask could be arrested, Republican lawmakers are reportedly strongly opposing the measure.

On the 29th (local time), according to the U.S. political news outlet The Hill, Thomas Manger, Chief of the U.S. Capitol Police, ordered the implementation of new mask guidelines within the Capitol the day before. This directive, announced recently by the Capitol physician, mandates mask-wearing for all individuals in the House chamber and the buildings housing the respective offices.

Chief Manger emphasized, "Visitors or staff at the Capitol who refuse to wear a mask when requested will be denied entry to the House. Anyone who refuses to comply with mask-wearing requests and does not leave will be arrested for unlawful entry."

In response, the U.S. Republican Party has strongly opposed the measure. Republicans criticized the move as a conspiracy by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat, to completely control the House. They clearly stated that the mask mandate infringes on personal freedom and has no place in Congress, schools, or anywhere else.

Republican Representative Kat Cammack claimed, "This measure is an abuse of Pelosi's power." Fellow Republican Representative Nancy Mace also strongly opposed the mandate on Twitter, saying, "I did not wear a mask outside the chamber today. I follow science, not Pelosi. Arrest me." Kevin McCarthy, Republican House Minority Leader, emphasized, "This is not Pelosi's House, but the people's House."

Amid the controversy, the Capitol Police issued another statement saying that nothing will happen if masks are worn according to the rules, adding, "Wearing masks is for health and safety." Speaker Pelosi also responded in a statement, "This is the authority of the Capitol physician, and I simply respect that."

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