Illinois Congressmember Brad Schneider is at least the third lawmaker to test positive for COVID-19 following the Capitol Hill lockdown, during which multiple Republican lawmakers refused to wear face masks in the cramped isolation space. The House adopted a new rule Tuesday which would fine lawmakers if they refuse to wear a face mask on the floor. They will face a $500 fine for the first offense, and a second strike incurs a $2,500 fine, which would be deducted from their pay.
New Jersey Democratic Congressmember Mikie Sherrill said Tuesday she witnessed unnamed Republican colleagues giving “reconnaissance” tours one day before the riot and that she would make sure those lawmakers are held accountable.
Meanwhile, New York Congressmember Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez says she had a “very close encounter” during the Capitol siege during which she feared for her life. She refrained from providing further details but said in an Instagram Live post Tuesday that right-wing congressmembers contributed to her fears that day.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez: “I myself did not even feel safe going to be that extraction point, because there were QAnon and white supremacist sympathizers and, frankly, white supremacist members of Congress in that extraction point, who I know and who I have felt would disclose my location.”
Ali Alexander, a leader of last week’s “Stop the Steal” riot, has said three Republican House members helped organize last week’s violent attack on the Capitol: House Freedom Caucus head Andy Biggs, Paul Gosar of Arizona and Mo Brooks of Alabama.