* Context from CNN…
Democratic lawmakers in both chambers of Congress have a 100% vaccination rate against Covid-19, a CNN survey of Capitol Hill found this week, significantly outpacing Republicans in the House and Senate and illustrating the partisan divide over the pandemic.
For Republicans, at least 44.8% of House members are vaccinated and at least 92% of senators are, CNN found.
* Melanie Zanona…
A group of House Republicans revolted over their chamber’s mask rules on Tuesday, the latest sign of tensions boiling over as Congress wrestles with how and when to return to pre-pandemic routines.
Around a dozen Republicans refused to wear masks during the evening vote series and strategically stood at the well of the chamber, which appears on the C-SPAN cameras, and seemed to encourage other members to join in.
Lawmakers face hefty fines if they don’t wear masks on the House floor: $500 for the first offense and $2,500 for the second offense. The money is deducted from their salaries.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) snapped a selfie with a few other maskless members and posted it to social media. Taking pictures on the House floor is against longstanding rules due to security concerns.
At one point, Rep. Robin Kelly (D-Ill.) came over and confronted the rebellious crew and asked them to be more respectful of other members and staff.
One of those other members was freshman US Rep. Mary Miller…
Apparently, all our national problems are solved.
- South of Springfield - Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 10:59 am:
What a disgrace. I cannot wait to vote against her if she’s still my representative with the new map.
- North Shore Joe - Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 11:01 am:
Why would someone who is vaccinated be put at risk by someone who is not vaccinated? This question still has not been answered.
At this point, it’s virtue signaling. Nothing more, nothing less.
- Jose Abreu's Next Homer - Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 11:02 am:
Are theses unwritten rules? If so, I know a guy that loves unwritten rules.
- illinifan - Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 11:02 am:
Their behavior is definitely childish. Hard to imagine this lot was elected and expected to lead our country for the benefit of all.
- TheInvisibleMan - Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 11:04 am:
Children in old bodies.
That’s all they are, and that’s all I see them as.
I plan to treat republicans accordingly going forward. They can switch to another party if they don’t like to be seen that way, it’s not really my concern.
- Tweed Jacket - Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 11:04 am:
IIRC theres still an automatic fine for not wearing a mask on the floor. Depending on Remap Davis would have an easy time beating her.
- Lincoln Lad - Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 11:06 am:
-Illinifan
Even more amazing is that people continue to contribute real money to them (especially Taylor Greene).
- SWIL_Voter - Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 11:08 am:
== Why would someone who is vaccinated be put at risk by someone who is not vaccinated? This question still has not been answered.==
I’ve seen this specific question answered multiple times here on CapFax. We’re all put at risk by the unvaccinated because the larger that population, the less effective the vaccines are, leading to mutations of the virus beyond the capacity of the vaccines. This is known and very easy information to find yourself
- Boone's is Back - Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 11:10 am:
Childish? Yes. Par for the course from a bunch of do nothing complainers? Obviously.
However, when the CDC issues guidelines that people who are vaccinated don’t have to wear masks indoors or outdoors what is the point of making this a huge issue by the dems? Was Robin Kelly checking their vaxx records on the House floor?
My point is simply that there is going to be a lot more stuff like this as rules loosen and become unclear. I just don’t know if its the hill dems want to die on.
- Cubs in '16 - Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 11:11 am:
===At this point, it’s virtue signaling.===
Um, no. It’s a rule. In this context, the potential harm the unvaxxed pose is irrelevant. It shows a childish disrespect for their fellow legislators and the governing process. If anyone is “virtue signaling” it’s the yahoos who refuse to mask up.
- Jocko - Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 11:12 am:
==This question still has not been answered==
Rand Paul, is this you?
From the CDC and Johns Hopkins websites:
Even if you have been vaccinated you might still be able to pick up the coronavirus, harbor it in your body without any symptoms (asymptomatic infection) and pass it to another person.
- Tommydanger - Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 11:12 am:
I am all for placing their faces in custody again.
s/
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 11:13 am:
Rodney Davis is nervous he may lose to Mary Miller?
Whew.
We wear/wore masks, not for our protection, we did/do so as not to spread or infect others.
We get vaccinated for our safety, and for society, as herd immunity is predicated on us all being vaccinated, so it is for us and other close to us that we get vaccinated, in a societal view, we vaccinated ourselves for others.
The Trumpkin foolish who won’t wear masks for “freedom”… I guess freedom to infect or worse others they are close to or even love… AND… refuse to get vaccinated, “their body, their choice”… are choosing to not eradicate a global virus from continuing, they choose to allow a virus, a once a century pandemic, to stay around… and maybe infect others because of their selfishness.
The foolishly ignorant are pictured here. Their glee and pride shown is a reminder, the worst of us… are around us… and the selfish of us… rarely want the best for others.
And this is who Rodney Davis fears?
- Interim Retiree - Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 11:13 am:
==Why would someone who is vaccinated be put at risk by someone who is not vaccinated? This question still has not been answered.
At this point, it’s virtue signaling. Nothing more, nothing less.==
Because the elderly (i.e. my 96 year old father) and others w/major health issues (i.e. my sister) can still get the virus & then major complications despite having been vaccinated, according to the doctors. Thanks for respecting others.
- Annonin' - Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 11:14 am:
Seems like Rep. Miller should get a stronger GOPie district to reward her continued patriotism
- Incandenza - Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 11:14 am:
This is the dumbest political position. It’s the most simple thing to wear a mask. Most people understand the need to wear business attire to work, or even just to wear clothes at all. A simple mask is not at all an inconvenient requirement during a pandemic.
- Pundent - Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 11:14 am:
=This question still has not been answered.=
Yes it has. Breakthrough infections can and are still happening. Some members may not be able or advised to receive the vaccine given underlying medical conditions. Unvaccinated individuals can therefore spread the disease to others. Asking unvaccinated people to wear masks is not at all virtue signaling. It’s showing respect for a society which continues to see Covid-19 cases. It also sends a message to your constituents that regardless of political party we’re all in this together.
- Rasselas - Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 11:15 am:
- North Shore Joe
“Why would someone who is vaccinated be put at risk by someone who is not vaccinated? This question still has not been answered.
At this point, it’s virtue signaling. Nothing more, nothing less.”
The vaccine is not entirely effective for immuno-compromised individuals. There have been deaths among those vaccinated.
And what’s wrong with virtue signaling? My mother used to call it ’setting a good example”.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 11:17 am:
=== This question still has not been answered.===
The New York Yankees, American Baseball Club.
Maybe those who got vaccinated were in contact with those who were not.
The answer is… if you’re not vaccinated, wear a mask.
===At this point, it’s virtue signaling. Nothing more, nothing less.===
If you believe that… than your values for anyone other than yourself is so minuscule, you mock their chances to see you and not be infected or worse.
Oh I know… “freedom”… LOL
If you care so little for family, friends, those you don’t know, I know your values… you’re telling me them.
- Cheryl44 - Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 11:18 am:
Joe, no vaccination is 100% effective. If these people are acting like this at work, I’m guessing they’re acting like this elsewhere.
- Pizza Man - Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 11:21 am:
Because it has been proven to reduce the transmittal of the virus by using a face mask, these pictured individuals–while probably not vaccinated–should respect the rules of the House in order to protect all members and staff.
Speaker Pelosi has a fine for all members who do not adhere to the rules. I would additionally prohibit any from speaking on the House floor w/o a mask.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 11:24 am:
How many of these foolish soul, on the flip side, would want to have surgery with doctors, nurses, anyone in the room, no masks, in the operating room?
I mean, if masks don’t work…
- Nick - Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 11:29 am:
Won’t wear a mask. Won’t get vaccinated.
Make it make sense.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 11:31 am:
=== Make it make sense.===
Friend, you’re a lost cause.
That part makes sense to me.
- JS Mill - Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 11:34 am:
=At this point, it’s virtue signaling. Nothing more, nothing less.=
Just because you do not get the answer you want does not mean the question has not been answered. It has.
Virtue signaling? Like when a politician flies their christian flag and regularly invokes their christianity as an indicator of their own virtue? Like several of those pictured above (especially Mary Miller)?
One christian virtue is caring for your fellow man. How is that being put into action here? I see them mocking their brothers and sisters.
BTW- the smiles are incredibly fake. They are better looking with their masks on.
- North Shore Joe - Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 11:35 am:
Is your 96 year old father working the floors of Congress?
The vaccine is highly effective. Life is not without risk.
CDC Guidance. S C I E N C E. Trust it, people.
- Mask - Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 11:36 am:
https://www.wandtv.com/news/father-of-local-student-who-died-from-covid-19-complications-is-hospitalized-with-virus/article_622ae828-b844-11eb-a617-176ca361d9bb.html
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 11:38 am:
===CDC Guidance. S C I E N C E. Trust it, people.===
… but be respectful when places like the floor of Congress, or a business owned by someone who is high risk, requires masks.
Trust it.
- Mask - Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 11:38 am:
We have to stop it from circulating and mutating as it is now getting to more younger folks.
- olddog - Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 11:40 am:
=== Why would someone who is vaccinated be put at risk by someone who is not vaccinated? This question still has not been answered. ===
Any number of reasons, but I’ll only list two. 1. They may be immunocompromised and therefore still vulnerable. 2. They may understand the science, specifically that vaccine-resistant variants are more likely to mutate among unvaccinated populations. Leaving side the politics, a group of 435 people drawn from all 50 states is large enough for a mutant to emerge in an unvaccinated host; to spread among the 435 members of that groups; and to be transmitted back to any of the members’ home districts. Is that likely? We don’t know yet. The coronavirus is new. But I think it’s good reason to err on the side of caution.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 11:42 am:
===are just as obnoxious/annoying/untenable as===
This dorm room ignorance of equivalence is only true if you believe getting an operation means those in the operating room are “mask optional”
If you’re triggered by people wearing masks…
===The flu existed before the pandemic…===
The flu hasn’t killed nearly 600,000 Americans.
Even Trump said to Woodward that’s a false equivalent.
Are you getting this stuff on Facebook?
- Rich Miller - Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 11:42 am:
===CDC Guidance. S C I E N C E. Trust it, people. ===
Hey, dummy. The CDC guidance recommends mask usage in congregate settings. Guess what the floor of Congress is?
So, yeah, follow the science, but first read the guidance.
- Etown - Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 11:43 am:
Welcome to the “I only care about myself club”
- SWIL_Voter - Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 11:47 am:
== those liberals that want to live in a masked society, forever,==
Oh we’re arguing with imaginary people now? Pass.
People do overly cautious things literally all the time. Hotels don’t have a 13th floor, people don’t shower during thunderstorms, use filters on their tap water, lock their doors in perfectly safe neighborhoods. We’re trying to overcome a year plus long pandemic that killed 650,000+ of our countrymen. People are going to approach recovery with caution
- Scott Fawell's Cellmate - Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 11:55 am:
@North Shore Joe exemplifies what Greg Hinz wrote about in the North Shore, with the IL GOP abandoning winning for adoration for Trump:
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/greg-hinz-politics/theyre-not-making-republicans-they-used-north-shore
“Are the Republicans trying to win again on the North Shore or not? As one party insider sighs privately, “That used to be such a good organization.””
- Nick Name - Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 11:59 am:
As we speak this is being covered on CNN.
- OneMan - Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 12:05 pm:
Again, one of the biggest things I learned when I got into politics was elected officials were not nearly as smart as I thought they were.
As a kid I assumed you had to be really smart to be a state rep, state senator, congressman, etc. Then I started to meet candidates.
- lake county democrat - Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 12:14 pm:
NorthshoreJoe and Rass - as noted above, for 5-15%, the vaxes don’t work against catching COVID. They appear to limit the severity, but even mild cases of COVID appear to have consequences (see the Washington University study - which is pretty large - on the short-term effect on risk of death from other causes). So yes, your refusal to wear a mask for a few minutes endangers the vaccinated.
- Meow - Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 12:18 pm:
#ThanksShimkus
- Don't Bloc Me In - Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 12:22 pm:
I live in the 15th, I’m vaccinated, but will happily wear a mask where recommended or required.
What I’d like to be free from is Mary Miller.
- The Way I See It - Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 12:46 pm:
And people wonder why Congress is so broken …
- Downstate - Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 12:48 pm:
This is pretty simple. Follow CDC guidelines and House rules that are designed to keep you and others safe. Period. These guidelines are made all the more important to follow when you have nuts like Miller and Taylor Greene who most likely will refuse to ever get the vaccine. Let’s just be reasonable here, people.
- G Falkes - Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 1:03 pm:
Admittedly I’m pretty impassioned about this topic these days, but I dare congress critter miller to mock those who are immuno compromised. I’ll state my point, if given the chance, in direct language so that her callous point of view would be on full display. I dare her, I really do.
- Grandson of Man - Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 1:07 pm:
The real virtue signalers are Republican politicians who won’t wear masks/get vaccines, because they are pandering to the Trump base. They are abdicating responsibility of their offices, safety, democracy, everything.
- Louis G Atsaves - Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 1:23 pm:
Wearing a mask is still a sign of respect. The CDC latest regulations still recommend a mask for indoor meetings or travel. I was in Houston, TX for a meeting over the weekend, and everyone on the flight was required to wear a mask, under a threat of being blacklisted from future flights. I am assuming the non-maskers wear masks on flights, or are forced to drive. The majority attending the meeting (indoors) also wore masks.
Notwithstanding the public shaming attempts by both sides, our congresscritters need to grow up.
- Pundent - Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 1:30 pm:
Only 44.8% of Republican House members have been vaccinated and I’m guessing that no one in the photo op is part of that minority group.
They are standing on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives cheering for the pandemic. Not exactly my idea of patriotism.
- Pundent - Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 1:42 pm:
=Notwithstanding the public shaming attempts by both sides=
I’m not sure that the “both sides” argument holds up when one side of the House has a 100% vaccination rate and the other is at 44.8%. If the Democrats are making a political statement here it’s take personal responsibility. That used to be a Republican mantra.
- Candy Dogood - Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 1:42 pm:
===Let’s just be reasonable here, people. ===
The GQP is a howling mob whose ability to discern fact from fiction and reality from delusion is too far gone for any appeal to reason to result in what a sane person would consider reasonable.
The insurrection, the Hitler quotes, the hundreds of thousands of dead Americans from COVID-19, these are all reasonable to them. Do not mistake reason as a constant. It is as flexible as the need to rationalize horrific and terrible things.
- Summer Breeze - Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 2:13 pm:
OW, would love to see a parody of surgeons with no masks.
- Summer Breeze - Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 2:14 pm:
Nick, here’s your sign.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 2:18 pm:
===surgeons with no masks.===
That was the name of a garage band I was in.
We did Steely Dan covers, but had a French horn on lead.
:)
It would be a fun lil parody, however. You’re on it.
- Cubs in '16 - Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 2:20 pm:
I can’t understand why this is still a narrative for the Trump supporters. The man has stated publicly it’s a good idea to get vaccinated and mask up. The meme that it’s a freedom thing is well past its expiration date.
- Shark Sandwich - Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 2:24 pm:
“Virtue signaling”.
OTOH, we have the 4 mugging for camera in an act of “villainy signaling”? (Depravity signaling? Malevolence signaling?)
They are teens who just started smoking and can’t wait to show how much of a “rebel” they are. It would almost be cute, if they were teens. Almost.
- Pot calling kettle - Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 2:34 pm:
== I can’t understand why this is still a narrative for the Trump supporters. The man has stated publicly it’s a good idea to get vaccinated and mask up. The meme that it’s a freedom thing is well past its expiration date.==
They assume he didn’t mean it and was just trolling the libs.
- Sir Reel - Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 3:33 pm:
Instead of masks, make them wear paper bags over their heads, a la the Unknown Comic.
That’s the level of seriousness they deserve.
- CEA - Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 3:53 pm:
To serve in Congress one must be 25 years old physically, but apparently only 8 years old emotionally.