House Republican attempts to appeal fine for bypassing metal detector outside chamber

Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-Ga.) is attempting to appeal the $5,000 fine imposed on him for failing to abide by newly implemented rules requiring members to go through magnetometers before entering the House chamber.

The magnetometers were brought in by top Democrats in January after the deadly insurrection at the Capitol when a mob of former President Trump’s supporters attempted to prevent the certification of President Biden’s Electoral College victory. The security move was met with strong pushback from GOP lawmakers, who argue the threat came from outside the building, not from members within. 

Democrats in favor of the metal detectors argue that they have concerns about firearms on the floor, alleging some of their GOP colleagues could pose a safety threat. 

“We have people in this chamber who have posted disturbing rhetoric against members of this body. These words and actions raise serious safety concerns,” House Rules Committee Chairman Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) said in early February.

Clyde — who was fined Feb. 5 shortly after Democrats passed a measure along party lines imposing the penalty in an attempt to enforce compliance with the new rule — argued the fines are a “ridiculous break in Congressional precedent.” 

“Today, with the assistance of my private counsel, I appealed the fines I incurred as a result of my refusal to abide by Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s [D-Calif.] unconstitutional placement of magnetometers in front of the entrance to the Floor of the House of Representatives. Per House Resolution 73, which established this ridiculous break in Congressional precedent, I filed my appeal with the House Ethics Committee,” he said in a statement. 

“As I have said before, the installation of the magnetometers is part of the Democratic Party’s ongoing attempt to treat Republicans as a threat when no such threat exists. The ongoing militarization of Capitol Hill, including the placement of metal fencing, razor wire, and the deployment of National Guard troops, are also part of this perverse strategy.” 

Clyde alleged that Democrats’ motive to install the magnetometers outside the chamber was politically motivated, arguing that Pelosi has not abided by the rule since it was implemented earlier this month. 

“The Democratic Party’s motive in crafting this narrative is to silence us through fear and intimidation, with the ultimate goal being the creation of domestic terrorism legislation and a political litmus test for all elected officials, public servants, and members of the Armed Forces. Make no mistake, Democratic Party leaders would rid anyone who does not agree with their fringe ideology from public service and the political sphere if given the opportunity,” Clyde continued. 

“I look forward to continuing the appeal process, and I trust the Committee will review my case with the same fairness and due process they will surely afford the Speaker once her fine for allegedly breaking her own rule is processed,” he added.