Representative Tim Burchett (R-TN-02) sent a letter on Thursday to Speaker Nancy Pelosi urging her to end the current COVID-19 regulations that are in place for the House of Representatives.
The letter from Burchett comes in response to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announcing that vaccinated individuals no longer have to wear a mask indoors. As cases continue to decline, COVID-19 restrictions are being lifted in each state across the country.
“In light of recent U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance, I write to request you immediately remove all restrictions and provisions instituted in response to COVID-19 in the U.S. House of Representatives,” Burchett said.
Earlier in the year, Pelosi and House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy noted that around 75 to 80 percent — a number established by health officials as the goal to achieve “herd immunity” — of lawmakers in the House of Representatives were fully vaccinated.
In his letter, Burchett specifically called for an end to proxy voting, virtual committee hearings, mask mandates, restricted access to the Capitol complex, and the suspension of Capitol tours.
“It is important that we, as members of Congress, lead by example by returning to normal operations,” Burchett continued.
Pelosi has repeatedly faced criticism over the strict guidelines and regulations that are currently in place. Previously, Republicans filled a lawsuit against Pelosi and other Democratic lawmakers to prevent voting by proxy — arguing the move to be unconstitutional. Proxy voting has become common among Democratic lawmakers, allowing them to stay home and cast votes virtually via other members. In conjunction with proxy voting, Pelosi extended the time allowed for lawmakers to cast votes from 15 minutes to 30 minutes — greatly reducing the productivity of Congress.
Additionally, Pelosi has closed the Capitol complex and limited opportunities for Americans to tour the building and the “People’s House.”
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Cooper Moran is a reporter for the Star News Network. Follow Cooper on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
