On Tuesday, the Supreme Court offered no assistance to three Republicans – Reps. Tom Massie, Ralph Norman, and Marjorie Taylor Greene – whose salaries were reduced in 2021 for ignoring a mask mandate in the House of Representatives amid the COVID pandemic.
No Relief for Republicans
The justices quietly turned down their appeal against former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, as lower courts had previously determined that Pelosi was immune to such lawsuits due to the judicial branch’s lack of authority over Congress’ internal regulations.
Legal Team Supports Decision
The legal representatives of the current House Speaker, Republican Mike Johnson from Louisiana, concurred with the Supreme Court’s decision.
GOP Seek Clarity on Mask Fine
Although the House GOP leadership was against the mask mandate, they clarified to the Supreme Court that the issue at hand was not about the rule’s merit or its scientific grounding.
Rather, the focus was on whether the imposed fines were subject to judicial review.
Fear of Retaliation
The three lawmakers contesting their fines maintained that without the Supreme Court’s support, there was a risk of ongoing retaliation against members who prioritize their district’s wishes over those of the House Speaker.
GOP Rebels Against Fines
The Republicans contested a $500 salary deduction imposed for not wearing masks while voting on the House floor in May 2021.
Repeated Fines for Greene
Almost three years ago, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., faced a fine for defying the House’s mask mandate. The Office of the Sergeant at Arms fined Greene on August 2, citing her non-compliance with the Speaker’s policies set on January 4, 2021, as per a House Resolution.
Divide Over COVID Safety Measures
This fine was a part of the broader conflict over COVID-19 measures during the delta variant surge, with many conservatives, including congressional members, vehemently opposing masks and similar precautions.
Greene Misses Appeal, Faces Fine
The ethics committee publicized the fine after Greene failed to appeal within the allotted time. Greene had previously been fined for the same violation on May 20, but her initial appeal was rejected by the committee.
Steep Fines for Repeat Mask Offenders
As per official records, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene is liable for a $2,500 fine for any further violation of the mask mandate, following an initial $500 penalty for first-time offenders.
Holocaust Comparison
The Georgia Republican, known for her vocal opposition to mask-wearing and controversially likening it to the Holocaust, faced this fine under the House Democrats’ mask mandate.
On-Off Approach to Masking
Initiated in January during the COVID-19 crisis, the mandate was temporarily lifted in June but reinstated in July after the CDC recommended indoor mask-wearing.
Chip Roy Among Fined Representatives
Greene isn’t alone in this; Rep. Chip Roy was fined on August 2. The Texas Republican, who had previously been warned in May, defied the rule again.
Reps. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., and Ralph Norman, R-S.C., were fined on May 20.
‘Tyrannical overlords’
Roy, who opted not to appeal within the required timeframe, expressed to USA TODAY his desire to retain the option to sue, calling an appeal to “tyrannical overlords” futile and potentially limiting his ability to take legal action.
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