House creates coronavirus oversight panel while Capitol implements new precautions

First recorded vote in nearly a month features new guidelines

Masked lawmakers descended on Washington on Thursday to deliberate and vote for the first time in nearly four weeks. When House members voted to create a new oversight body to monitor federal coronavirus expenditures, they did so in a Capitol transformed by public health measures in place to prevent the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

The vast majority of members and staff wore masks in the chamber Thursday, at the urging of the attending physician.

“Use of a face covering, while voluntary, is recommended for Members and staff in any proceeding,” read a notice from the Office of the Attending Physician issued earlier in the week. Continue reading.