US Republicans rebel against mask requirement in House of Representatives

Democratic politicians say they are tired of the requirements, too, but they worry that some of their Republican colleagues have declined to be vaccinated and could spread the virus

House minority leader Kevin McCarthy is leading Republican defiance of the chamber’s mask mandate (J Scott Applewhite/AP)

Republicans are rebelling against the requirement that they wear a mask on the House of Representatives floor as tensions rise with majority Democrats who are refusing to change the rules following updated health guidance.

Republican minority leader Kevin McCarthy led an effort on Wednesday to convince the Office of the Attending Physician to update its guidance for mask wearing for vaccinated politicians and staff while they are in the House chamber and in committee hearing rooms.