WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-18) today sent a letter to Chair of the House Ethics Committee Representative Ted Deutch (FL-22) and Ranking Member Jackie Walorski (ID-02) appealing a $500 fine Speaker Pelosi issued him for following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines regarding masking wearing.

“I am appealing Speaker Pelosi’s $500 fine because I was in full compliance with the CDC guidance and it is unlawful. The scientists at the CDC told us if you are fully vaccinated, you can go about your life without wearing a mask or physically distancing. So, that's what I'm doing,” Rep. Mast said. “It has never been about following the science for Speaker Pelosi. It has always been about power and control.” 

A copy of the letter that Rep. Mast sent to Chairman Deutch and Ranking Member Walorski is attached. 

BACKGROUND

• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “fully vaccinated people can resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing.”
• In response, the Capitol Attending Physician issued guidance stating that fully vaccinated individuals “can resume activities without wearing a mask or staying 6 feet apart” in the Capitol Complex.
• Nonetheless, Speaker Pelosi has continued to enforce arbitrary mask mandates on the Floor of the House of Representatives that are not backed by science.
• Mast was fined $500 for his first violation.  According to Speaker Pelosi, another violation will result in a $2,500 fine.
• Rep. Mast is fully vaccinated and is abiding by the guidance issued by the CDC.

###