On the recordMay 14, 2021
As we all know, the CDC finally altered the mask mandates to reflect the science that we have known for months. People who are vaccinated do not need to wear masks indoors, outdoors in most settings. Follow the science. As a physician of 30 years, I believe that people should get vaccinated, but at the end of the day it is a personal choice and a decision that should be made between patient and doctor, not person and Speaker. At this point practically everyone has had the opportunity to get vaccinated if they want it. The infinite majority of the at-risk population in the United States has been vaccinated. I have been vaccinated for months now, but when I get done with this speech, I have to put my mask back on despite what the science says because the Speaker mandates it. That is not the doctor-patient relationship. Back in North Carolina, my constituents will still be required to wear a mask in grocery stores because Governor Cooper mandates it. Again, not the doctor-patient relationship. So much for following the science. ____________________
