GOP congressman appeals Pelosi-ordered fine after bypassing House floor metal detectors
Rep. Andrew Clyde, R-Ga. claimed magnetometers were part of an effort to treat Republican lawmakers “as a threat”
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Rep. Andrew Clyde, R-Ga., on Wednesday announced a formal appeal of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s, D-Calif., fines that he has incurred for refusing to follow metal detector protocols.
"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 unconstitutional placement of magnetometers in front of the entrance to the Floor of the House of Representatives," Clyde wrote in a statement.
Clyde claimed installation of the magnetometers was part of an effort to treat Republican lawmakers "as a threat."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"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," he wrote.
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In a YouTube video, Clyde worried that Democrats might be careening down a path toward introducing legislation that would create a "litmus test" for anyone who wants to serve in the armed forces or government.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Georgia congressman said he filed his appeal with the House Ethics Committee.
A spokesperson for Pelosi's office did not return Fox News' request for comment.
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}As previously reported by Fox News, Republicans are pushing Pelosi to pay her own fine for bypassing the magnetometers.
A first-time offense generates a $5,000 penalty. But continued noncompliance ups the fine to $10,000 for additional violations.
The metal detectors were installed at the House in the wake of the Jan. 6 siege on Capitol Hill and have been opposed by some Republicans from the outset.