McCarthy calls on Pelosi to return Capitol to pre-pandemic operations

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) is calling on Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) to return the lower chamber to pre-pandemic operations.

“Nearly a year ago to the day, you made the decision to close the Capitol to visitors and begin implementing new protocols to govern access and movement of the members and staff of the Capitol complex. But since that time, we have learned more about the virus and have made monumental strides in our scientific and technological endeavors. Today, we have multiple vaccines with significant efficacy rates. COVID-19 cases and deaths are falling nationally. And experts predict a return to normalcy may be closer than we think,” McCarthy wrote in a letter to Pelosi.  

“Just this week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new guidelines easing mask and social distancing for the nearly 32 million Americans who are fully vaccinated. And to date, roughly 75 percent of House members have been fully vaccinated, or will be by the end of this week.”

McCarthy asked Pelosi when she would put an end to proxy voting, allow in-person work and meetings to return full-time and let tours resume at the Capitol. He also asked whether masking requirements will be eased following the release of new guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevent and taking into account the Senate’s practices.

He also questioned when the fencing that was put in place following the deadly insurrection at the Capitol on Jan. 6 would be taken down and heightened security eased. Capitol Police have called for permanent fencing, an idea that has been met with reservations from a number of members in both parties.   

“Additionally, given the opaqueness regarding the current security posture of the Capitol complex, coupled with the fact that there are no credible threats against the Capitol, when can the country expect to see and visit their Capitol without a military presence and razor wire fencing, which serves as a physical barrier to serving our constituents?” the letter said. 

“Simply put: it’s time that we return to regular order. House Republicans are eager for the chance to reopen the People’s House, restore America’s voice in Congress, and work day in and day out to address the many concerns our constituents face.” 

Since the start of the pandemic, a number of precautionary measures have been implemented — many of which were met with pushback from GOP lawmakers — in an attempt to prevent the spread of the virus on Capitol Hill, including a mask mandate, extended time for votes to be conducted, proxy voting and a restriction on visitors.

The letter was first obtained by the Daily Caller.