Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan engaged in a heated exchange with Dr. Anthony Fauci on Friday while questioning the nation’s leading coronavirus expert to determine whether the protests should be limited as the pandemic continues.
“Should the government limit the protest?” the Republican first asked Fauci, as he testified in the House Subcommittee at the Coronavirus Crisis hearing.
“I don’t think that’s relevant,” replied Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and a member of the White House coronavirus task force.
That led Jordan to point out that Fauci previously said that being in a crowd without a mask contributes to the spread of COVID-19.
The fiery congressman also noted that Americans have been banned from going to church and working during the pandemic, despite protests, including violent clashes with authorities in Portland, Oregon, that have continued.
“I’m just asking if there is a world where the constitution says you can favor First Amendment freedom by protesting over another by practicing your faith.” Jordan asked.
Fauci replied: “I am not favoring anyone over anyone. I’m just making a statement which is a broad statement that avoids crowds of any kind, no matter where you are, because that leads to acquisition and transmission. I don’t judge a crowd against another crowd. “
Jordan continued to point to what he called “inconsistencies” in how the United States handled the pandemic, referring to two New Jersey gym owners who were arrested Monday for opening their businesses.
“So can you protest, millions of people in one day in a crowd, screaming, screaming, but you try to run your business, they arrest you?” I ask.
At one point during the round-trip time, Fauci clearly frustrated accused Jordan of “putting words in my mouth” as the lawmaker tried to incite him to blame the spread of the virus on the ongoing protests.
“I am saying that crowds, wherever they are, can give you a greater chance of acquisition and transmission,” Fauci replied.
“But do you understand the concern of the Americans? The protests, according to Democrats, are fine, but you can’t go to work, you can’t go to school, you can’t go to church, “Jordan replied before committee chairman, Representative James Clyburn, threw down his gavel ., informing the congressman that his five minutes had ended.
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