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Republican Representative Ralph Norman, who is suing House Speaker Nancy Pelosi for giving him a fine for violating the House’s mask mandate, tested positive for COVID-19 this week.
“After experiencing minor symptoms this morning, I sought a COVID-19 test and was just informed the test results were positive,” the Congressman tweeted. “Thankfully, I have been fully vaccinated and my symptoms remain mild. To every extent possible, I will continue my work virtually while in quarantine for the next ten (10) days.”
— Rep. Ralph Norman (@RepRalphNorman) August 5, 2021
Representative Norman, Representative Thomas Massie, and Representative Marjorie Taylor Green filed a lawsuit against Pelosi over a $500 fine they received in May for not wearing masks. The group argues that the mask mandate violates the 27th amendment and that the fines reduce their salaries.
“The masking requirement was an attempt to prescribe what shall be orthodox in politics, medicine, and science, despite a deep divide over these issues of opinion,” lawyers for the members wrote, according to the Associated Press. They also argued that masks were required “in televised areas only” in the chamber.”
“It has been used to force Plaintiffs and other members of the minority party to be instruments for fostering public adherence to this ideological point of view that Plaintiffs find unacceptable,” they continued.
Dr. Brian Monahan, Congress’ attending physician, has told lawmakers that “mask requirement and other guidelines remain unchanged until all members and floor staff are fully vaccinated.”
Norman is the second South Carolina lawmaker to announce a positive COVID test recently. Earlier this week, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said that although he is fully vaccinated, he too tested positive for COVID-19.
“I feel like I have a sinus infection and at present time I have mild symptoms,” Graham said. “I am very glad I was vaccinated because without vaccination I am certain I would not feel as well as I do now. My symptoms would be far worse.”
