Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Washington) says Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi should be removed from the speakership.
The remark made today [Tuesday] came in response to Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s decision to allow a Democratic House member who had been in Covid quarantine to come onto the floor of the House on Sunday. That was the day House members were sworn in for the 117th Congress and the vote for speaker was taken.
The Washington congresswoman says Pelosi allowed Rep. Gwen Moore (D-Wisconsin) to enter the chamber without a negative Covid test. She says it was a break in House protocol that put other members’ health in jeopardy. McMorris Rodgers said Pelosi abused her power, “one of many recent offenses by the Speaker to mute the voice of the people,” according to a statement released by McMorris Rodgers’ office. As a result, the Washington congresswoman believes the speaker’s chair should be vacated to hold Pelosi accountable for her actions.
The news was first reported by the publication The Hill and has since been confirmed by McMorris Rodgers’ office.
The full statement from McMorris Rodgers' office:
"The Congresswoman agrees with her colleagues that Speaker Pelosi's unilateral decision to change guidelines and allow a member to break COVID-19 quarantine protocols in the House was a clear abuse of power, which disenfranchised voting privileges of all duly elected members. It was deceitful and reflective of tyrannical rule. It is one of many recent offenses by the Speaker to mute the voice of the people. The COVID-19 pandemic has been devastating for too many Americans and their families--tremendous economic loss and lifelong dreams crushed by the very guidelines the Speaker changed on Sunday for her political gain. It's offensive to them, the People's House, and representative government. The Congresswoman suggested vacating the chair, which is one option available to hold the Speaker accountable for Sunday’s unjust vote and to seek justice for Americans across this country and their representatives in the House.”