Marjorie Taylor Greene To Pay Over $100K for Repeatedly Violating House Mask Rules

A recent ruling by the Committee on Ethics of the U.S. House of Representatives fined Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene over $100,000 for repeatedly violating the chamber’s mask rules during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Supreme Court of the United States recently refused to hear an appeal from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and other conservative lawmakers seeking to overturn a pandemic-era masking requirement imposed in the House of Representatives.

The Supreme Court Declines Greene’s Appeal on House Mask Mandate

On Monday, the Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) and two other House Republicans seeking to overturn fines for refusing to wear masks on the floor of Congress.

In January 2021, then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi instituted a mask mandate for the House floor to curb the spread of COVID-19. However, Rep. Greene and her colleagues Reps. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) repeatedly and willfully violated this rule.

A Brief History of Mask Rules in the House

When the COVID-19 pandemic began in early 2020, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi implemented a rule requiring all members to wear masks on the House floor to curb the spread of the virus. However, many Republican lawmakers protested the mask mandate and repeatedly violated the rule.

In July 2020, Speaker Pelosi instituted a mask requirement after several Republicans refused to wear masks, including one member who later tested positive for COVID-19 after interacting with colleagues.

Rep. Greene’s Repeated Refusal to Wear a Mask

Greene was and has been an outspoken critic of mask mandates and other COVID-19 safety measures throughout the pandemic. In a statement, Greene said “I will continue my stand on the House floor against authoritarian Democrat mandates, because I don’t want the American people to stand alone.”

Greene filed an unsuccessful appeal with the House Ethics Committee to challenge her first mask fine in May. However, she did not appeal any subsequent fines. Greene, along with Reps. Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Ralph Norman (R-SC), also filed a lawsuit in federal court challenging the constitutionality of the fines.

Greene Boasted About Her “Total Disregard” for Masks

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene had consistently demonstrated flagrant disregard for House rules requiring members to wear masks during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in substantial fines that have amounted to over $100,000.

Greene has been outspoken in her refusal to follow basic public health guidance on masking and vaccination. “I refuse to wear a mask. I’m not vaccinated.

Repeat Offenders and Mounting Fines

Rep. Greene and other members who flouted the mask rule, like Reps. Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Ralph Norman of South Carolina, were each fined $500 for their first offense and $2,500 for each subsequent violation.

The House Ethics Committee upheld Rep. Greene’s initial appeal but she did not contest any subsequent penalties. In November 2021, the Supreme Court rejected an appeal by Reps. Greene, Massie, and Norman to overturn the fines imposed for violating the House mask mandate.

Criticism Of Health Protocols

Rep. Greene has been an outspoken critic of mask mandates and other Covid-19 health protocols. She has referred to the rules as “authoritarian Democrat mandates” that she will stand against.

Public health experts argue that masking, social distancing and vaccination are critical measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus. Rep. Greene’s defiance of these recommendations has been seen as disregard for health experts’ guidance and the well-being of others.

The Ethics Committee’s Investigation and Ruling

The Ethics Committee conducted a thorough investigation into Rep. Greene’s repeated violations of the House mask mandate. The Ethics Committee found Rep. Greene’s willful noncompliance and total disregard for others’ health and safety unacceptable.

In October 2021, the Ethics Committee disclosed that Rep. Greene amassed over $100,000 in fines for her repeated offenses, demonstrating her blatant contempt for the institution of Congress and indifference to the lives lost during this devastating pandemic.

Reactions From Rep. Greene and Fellow Republicans

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) issued a defiant statement in response to the Ethics Committee’s ruling, declaring she will “continue my stand on the House floor against authoritarian Democrat mandates.”

Her obstinate refusal to comply with the rule has drawn both praise and criticism from her Republican colleagues. Some Republicans support Greene’s stance against what they see as government overreach.

The Politicization of Masks During the Pandemic

The politicization of masks during the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S. Congress has led to repeated violations of health and safety protocols. Certain Republican members of Congress have refused to comply with mask mandates implemented to curb the spread of the virus within the Capitol building.

Public health experts agree that masks, combined with social distancing and vaccination, are effective strategies for reducing virus transmission. However, some Republican lawmakers have portrayed mask mandates as infringements on personal liberty, despite evidence of their efficacy.

Impact on House Operations and Relations

The repeated violations of the House mask mandate by Rep. Greene have significantly impacted the operations and relationships within the legislative body. Her blatant disregard for the rules and safety of her colleagues has strained working relationships and trust on both sides of the aisle.

According to House rules established in July 2020, members were required to wear face masks in the chamber to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The initial penalty for non-compliance was $500, with subsequent offenses incurring $2,500 fines.

Other Ways Greene Violated The Mask Mandate

In addition to the numerous fines Rep. Greene accumulated for refusing to wear a mask on the House floor, she violated the mandate in other ways. According to reports, Greene was seen walking around the Capitol complex without wearing a mask, putting others at risk.

Rep. Greene ignored these recommendations and was witnessed not wearing a mask in crowded areas of the Capitol where social distancing was difficult.

Using Masks to Spread Misinformation

When Rep. Greene did wear a mask, she used the opportunity to spread misinformation. She was photographed on the Hill wearing masks with phrases like “Trump Won” and “Censored” printed on them to promote baseless claims that the 2020 election was stolen.

Her use of masks as a platform to spread conspiracy theories and undermine faith in U.S. democratic institutions demonstrated poor judgment and a lack of respect for facts.

Paying the Price for Defiance

Rep. Greene’s repeated refusal to comply with House mask rules despite numerous warnings has resulted in hefty fines totaling over $100,000. Her failure to follow public health guidelines designed to protect legislators and staff put others at risk.

While Rep. Greene is standing her ground on principle, her actions have tangible financial consequences. This situation highlights the challenges of balancing public health and personal freedom during the pandemic.