Rep. Louie Gohmert, R-Texas, tested positive for coronavirus.
Gohmert has frequently refused to wear a mask while on Capitol Hill during the pandemic. He has spent a lot of time on the floor of the House during the votes talking to aides and legislators, without a mask or social distancing. His office did not respond to multiple requests for comment.
Gohmert was scheduled to fly aboard Air Force One with President Trump to Midland, Texas, where he is raising funds and touring an oil rig. He tested positive for a coronavirus Wednesday morning during a pre-flight exam at the White House, a person familiar with the situation told CNN.
Due to the positive test, Gohmert does not travel with the President.
A senior Republican adviser told CNN that the test results have caused problems on the hill, and that “many employees” were ordered to take the tests before they could go to meetings and resume activity. Some are kidnapping in their offices until they can be tested. Gohmert’s office notified Republican leaders, who notified House medical personnel, and the protocol was activated to receive more notifications, the Republican Party aide said. Politician first reported the news.
Gohmert told CNN last month that he was not wearing a mask because he had been tested and did not yet have the virus. “But if I understand, you will never see me without a mask,” he said.
He is just one of several conservative Republicans who have rejected the use of masks, which sometimes causes tension during committee meetings.
During Tuesday’s hearing with Attorney General Bill Barr, House of Representatives Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler urged a handful of Republican members to keep their masks on.
“I remind Mr. Jordan, Mr. Biggs, and Mr. Johnson to stop violating the committee’s rules, to stop violating the safety of committee members, to stop showing themselves how they don’t care by refusing to use their masks. “Nadler said, referring to representatives Jim Jordan of Ohio, Andy Biggs of Arizona and Mike Johnson of Louisiana.
“Is it allowed to take a sip of coffee?” Johnson replied.
Gohmert was also present at the hearing. He was seen without a mask outside the room near Barr at one point. The Justice Department told CNN Wednesday that Barr will be examined.
At another hearing on Wednesday, Rep. Zoe Lofgren intervened to remind members who are physically present that they should wear a mask.
“He was a member who was not willing to wear a mask constantly,” Lofgren said of Gohmert. “It is a reminder that this is very serious and if you are not willing to wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth, please leave the room and we will arrange for you to participate remotely.”
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