House lawmakers will be subject to fines if they refuse to go through newly installed metal detectors to enter the chamber beginning next week, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., announced Wednesday.
When the House returns to session Jan. 21, Pelosi said new rules will be adopted to mandate stiff fines for bypassing security. Lawmakers will be fined $5,000 for the first offense and $10,000 for the second, per The Hill.
The fines were in response to numerous House Republicans admonishing Capitol Police officers for asking them to go through the metal detectors on Tuesday and Wednesday. Several representatives pushed past the police and sergeant-at-arms staff to enter the House chamber without going through the magnetometers.
"It is tragic that this step is necessary, but the chamber of the People's House must and will be safe," Pelosi said in a statement.
The fines will be deducted from lawmakers' salaries.
Pelosi's statement marked the second time in as many days that House Democrat leaders imposed fines to force Republicans to comply with rules meant to ensure the safety of people in the chamber.
On Tuesday night, the House adopted new rules to mandate fines for lawmakers who fail to follow rules requiring masks on the House floor during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The fines for lawmakers refusing to wear masks on the floor is $500 for the first offense and $2,500 for a repeat offense.
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