[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 196 (Wednesday, November 18, 2020)]
[House]
[Page H5875]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER

  The SPEAKER. The Chair will now take this opportunity to make an 
announcement concerning floor practice during the coronavirus pandemic.
  First, the Chair wishes to underscore the importance of safe 
practices during votes. As the Chair stated on July 29, 2020, under 
clause 2 of rule I, the Chair is required to preserve order and decorum 
in the Chamber. This includes the responsibility to ensure the 
protection of Member and staff health and safety during proceedings.
  To that end, based upon health and safety guidance from the attending 
physician and the Sergeant at Arms, the Chair would advise that all 
Members should leave the Chamber promptly after casting their votes. 
Furthermore, Members should avoid congregating in the rooms leading to 
the Chamber, including the Speaker's lobby.
  As a reminder, the Chair will continue the recent practice of 
providing small groups of Members with a minimum of 5 minutes within 
which to cast their votes. Members are encouraged to vote with their 
previously assigned group. After voting, Members must clear the Chamber 
to allow the next group a safe and sufficient opportunity to vote.
  It is essential for the health and safety of Members, staff, and the 
U.S. Capitol Police to consistently practice social distancing and to 
ensure that a safe capacity be maintained in the Chamber at all times. 
The Sergeant at Arms is directed to enforce this policy.

  Second, the Chair wishes to remind Members that the announcement of 
July 29, 2020, regarding the wearing of masks in the Hall of the House 
remains in effect. Members and staff will not be permitted to enter the 
Hall of the House without wearing a mask. Masks will be available at 
the entry points for any Member who forgets to bring one.
  To reiterate, the Chair views the failure to wear masks as a serious 
breach of decorum.
  I repeat, Members and staff will not be permitted to enter the Hall 
of the House without wearing a mask.
  The Chair appreciates the attention of all Members and staff to these 
principles.

                          ____________________