Only 75% of House lawmakers have been vaccinated

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – The Office of Attending Physician is currently unable to recommend the relaxation of COVID-19 rules in the chamber of the House of Representatives because only 75% of members have been vaccinated, Axios reports. The issue is of particular concern as the business of the House has slowed due to social distancing protocols, including voting in waves.

It is not clear why the remaining 25% of representatives have not been vaccinated. “[They] have either refused to get the vaccine, have not reported getting it at home, or are avoiding it because of medical conditions,” Kadia Goba said in her report for Axios.

Although there is no certainty as to which party has the most unvaccinated members, Axios reports that the trend is highest among white Republicans.

Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy has written to Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) asking for a time frame in which to resume full-time, in-person committee hearings. On this issue, a spokesperson for Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) said in a statement to Axios: “The House continues to conduct our business in accordance with public health guidelines and in consultation with the Office of the Attending Physician.”

In any event, the OAP has now authorized use of the House gym showers, locker room, and swimming pool, Axios said.

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