July 29, 2020 - Issue: Vol. 166, No. 134 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 2nd Session

[Page H3965]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER

  The SPEAKER. The Chair will take this occasion to make an 
announcement concerning the wearing of masks in the Hall of the House 
during the coronavirus pandemic.
  Under clause 2 of rule I, the Chair is required to preserve order and 
decorum in the Chamber. This includes the responsibility to ensure the 
protection of Member and staff safety and health during proceedings. 
This responsibility is of paramount importance, particularly in the 
midst of a pandemic.
  To that end, the Chair announces that, during the pendency of a 
covered period pursuant to House Resolution 965, Members and staff will 
be required to wear masks at all times in the Hall of the House, except 
that Members may remove their masks temporarily when recognized. The 
Chair expects all Members and staff to adhere to this requirement as a 
sign of respect for the health, safety, and well-being of others 
present in the Chamber and surrounding areas.
  The Chair would further inform Members and staff that they will not 
be permitted to enter the Hall of the House without wearing a mask. 
Masks will be available at the entry points for any Member who forgets 
to bring one. The Chair would also like to remind Members that the 
Speaker has the authority to direct the Sergeant-at-Arms to remove a 
Member from the floor as a matter of decorum. To reiterate, the Chair 
views the failure to wear a mask as a serious breach of decorum.
  As always, the Chair appreciates the cooperation of Members and staff 
in preserving order and decorum in the Chamber and in displaying 
respect and safety for one another by wearing a mask.

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