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Group of Democratic lawmakers ask Capitol physician to mandate COVID vaccine for members of Congress and staff as half of Republicans refuse shot in the arm

A group of Democratic House members wrote to the attending physician of the Capitol on Wednesday to ask that Congress have a vaccine mandate for members and staff as COVID cases are on the rise and the Delta variant has been detected on Capitol Hill.

A group of Democratic House members wrote to the attending physician on Capitol Hill on Wednesday to ask that Congress have a vaccine mandate for members and staff - Speaker Pelosi has made clear she would enforce any health guidelines

A group of Democratic House members wrote to the attending physician on Capitol Hill on Wednesday to ask that Congress have a vaccine mandate for members and staff - Speaker Pelosi has made clear she would enforce any health guidelines

'Congress should be considering a vaccine requirement for Members and staff of the U.S. Capitol complex or, at minimum, twice per week testing for those who are unable to verify positive vaccination status,' the 18 Democratic members of Congress, led by Missouri Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, wrote to Dr. Brian Monahan.

'To prevent the spread of COVID-19, Capitol Hill must do everything possible to lead by example and ensure the safety of our own workforce,' they wrote.  

They noted waivers should be granted to anyone with religious objections or health reasons but added those people should be subjected to regular testing. 

Speaker Nancy Pelosi told reporters in the Capitol on Wednesday a vaccine mandate would be 'up to the capitol physician.' 

The lawmakers cited their concern about the safe working conditions for their staff, noting there are unique factors that make COVID a greater danger for those in the Capitol, including 'a high level of domestic and international travel by those who work here.'

Last week, Monahan recommended every lawmaker and staffer in the House, including those fully-vaccinated, wear a face mask in accordance with new CDC guidelines. He also encouraged lawmakers to get vaccinated. 

In his note on the matter, he noted the Delta variant of the coronavirus had been detected on Capitol Hill. 'To be clear, for meetings in an enclosed US House of Representatives controlled space, masks are REQUIRED,' he wrote.

'We know that your recommendations regarding the health and safety of the U.S. Capitol are free from partisan calculations and grounded in science, which is why we ask you to follow the science and require vaccination,' the lawmakers wrote to the Monahan, who is a retired rear admiral in the Navy. 

Pelosi has made it clear in the past she would enforce any health guidelines Monahan recommended for the U.S. Capitol. 

Some Republican lawmakers have publicly expressed skepticism about the COVID vaccine and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (above) refused to answer if she has been vaccinated

Some Republican lawmakers have publicly expressed skepticism about the COVID vaccine and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene refused to answer if she has been vaccinated

Some Republican lawmakers have publicly expressed skepticism about the COVID vaccine.  

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia refused to answer last month when asked whether or not she was vaccinated. She called the question 'a violation of my HIPAA rights.'

And several Republicans refused to follow Monahan's face mask guidelines, walking around the Capitol without wearing one. If they go on the House floor without a mask, they face a monetary fine. 

A survey of all 535 members of Congress by CNN found that in May, 100 percent of Democrats from both chambers were fully vaccinated, while only 44.8 percent of House Republicans and 92 percent of Republican senators could claim the same. 

Since then a few other Republicans have said they've been vaccinated, including Rep. Steve Scalise, the Number 2 GOP lawmaker in the House. 

Some fully-vaccinated lawmakers and staff, including Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham, have tested positive for COVID in what is called a 'breakthrough' infection.

'I was just informed by the House physician I have tested positive for COVID-19 even after being vaccinated,' Graham said in a statement on Monday.

He said he started having flu-like symptoms Saturday night and went to the doctor Monday morning. 

'I feel like I have a sinus infection and at present time I have mild symptoms,' he continued. 'I will be quarantining for ten days.' 

'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,' he added.

Several members of the Senate were seen wearing face masks after Graham's announcement. 

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