I will take a moment before we introduce the first panel just to make a brief introductory statement.

You don't think this is a high-risk situation when you have these folks screening hundreds, if not thousands, of travelers coming in from, in this case, Mexico, where we had a very high number of cases already reported?

I shouldn't have to blow up the bureaucracy just to get something done.

I would rather have this done in a regulatory fashion by the folks that are on the ground.

And it sort of points out the absurdity, I think, of the Department of Homeland Security's position on this

These employees should be allowed to wear the mask when they feel the need for that mask.

It should be providing them with the protective equipment that they need and facilitating their use of that equipment.

These officers and agents should be allowed to take reasonable precautions in order to safeguard their health.

Today's hearing is especially intended to review existing policies at key Federal agencies relating to employee precautionary behavior.

As Chair of the Federal Workforce Subcommittee, it is my responsibility to ensure the health and safety of our Federal employees.

Your own policy for them is, wear the masks. That is completely voluntary for them.