Freedom Caucus Inquires CDC if Pelosi consulted its scientists on continued House mask mandate

Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., penned a letter to Dr. Rochelle Walensky Thursday asking just 1 question: Why did Pelosi or the Capitol physician consult her or anybody in the CDC before extending the home mask mandate and social distancing protocols on May 14?

"It is very important that the American people understand that their elected leaders, particularly the Speaker of the House, are creating public policy decisions based on the evidence, not conjecture or what's in their political interests," Biggs wrote.

The CDC issued fresh advice on May 13 stating that masks are not necessary for fully vaccinated people in most circumstances. The CDC made exceptions for prerequisites by state and federal legislation and guidelines set out by companies and businesses. While the White House followed by lifting its mask requirement, the House didn't.

Pelosi and the Capitol Attending Physician Dr. Brian Monahan have said the home mask demand will remain unchanged until all House members are fully vaccinated. She previously estimated that about 75 percent of House members have gotten the coronavirus shots and said if Republicans want to go maskless on the House floor they need to promote their colleagues to get jabbed.

Monahan previously said the home mask rules are completely consistent with CDC guidelines and"endorsed by an expert CDC panel."

Some Republicans have been revolting against the continued mask mandates and have been slapped with $500 penalties for violating the principles. After offenses can amount to a $2,500 fine.

The CDC did not respond to repeated requests for comment last week by Fox News on who from the CDC informed the House about the mask principles and why they seem to run counter to information for the general public.

Walensky faced questioning Wednesday during a House appropriations subcommittee hearing from Rep. Andy Harris, R-Md., on if the House consulted her before implementing the new rules.

"We've been in contact with the Capitol Doctor in addition to the Speaker's office," Walensky said, though was vague on whether she offered input on the particular new rules.

Walensky said the new CDC guidelines were supposed to inform individual conclusions and but wider public policy steps still have to be created at the local level depending on the data in that community.

Harris said he wasn't becoming"a straight answer" and detained Walensky of dodging.

"This is precisely why America doesn't trust public health officials," Harris said Wednesday.