Sen. Rand Paul ridiculed President Joe Biden and other Democrats on Sunday for being “tyrants and bureaucrats,” floating further lockdowns and COVID-19 mask mandates ostensibly in response to the spread of the delta variant.
“It’s time for us to resist,” the Kentucky Republican said. “They can’t arrest all of us. They can’t keep all of your kids home from school. They can’t keep every government building closed. Although, I’ve got a long list of ones they might keep closed or might ought to keep closed.”
“Nancy Pelosi, you will not arrest or stop me or anyone on my staff from doing our jobs,” Paul continued. “We have either had COVID, had the vaccine, or been offered the vaccine. We will make our own health choices. We will not show you a passport. We will not wear a mask. We will not be forced into random screenings and testings, so you can continue your drunk-with-power reign over the Capitol.”
House Speaker Pelosi put in place a new mask policy two weeks ago, with House attending physician Brian P. Monahan caught maskless while lecturing Republicans on the new policy. Members of the GOP then took to the Senate floor on July 29 to demand Democrats cease the mandates.