House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is proposing fines of up to USD 10,000 will be imposed on members who fail to abide by the security protocols of the House.
Wednesday's announcement comes after metal detectors were set up outside the House chamber following last week's attack on the Capitol. Some Republican lawmakers have expressed their displeasure about the new protocol and have been bypassing the metal detector entirely or walking through and not stopping when they set it off.
Pelosi says, "It is tragic that this step is necessary, but the Chamber of the Peoples House must and will be safe." She says, "Many House Republicans have disrespected our heroes by verbally abusing them and refusing to adhere to basic precautions." The fine will be $5,000 for the first offense and $10,000 for the second offense. The Democratic-led House will vote on the rule change.
Earlier in the week, she imposed fines for those who fail to wear face masks during the COVID-19 crisis. Both fines will be deducted directly from members' salaries.
