North Georgia Congressman Andrew Clyde reportedly will have his congressional pay docked $5,000 for bypassing metal detectors recently installed at the entrance to the U.S. House.
Several national media outlets have reported Clyde, a Republican from Jackson County, and GOP Rep. Louie Gohmert of Texas are the first lawmakers to be fined under a new House rule. The rule, adopted Tuesday, imposes a $5,000 fine for a first-time offense and a $10,000 fine for subsequent offenses.
The fines will be deducted directly from each congressman's salary.
The rule was enacted in response to the Jan. 6 breach at the U.S. Capitol where protesters stormed the building. Six people were killed during the four-hour raid on the Capitol. Dozens of protesters were arrested.
According to a report in USA Today, Gohmert plans to appeal the fine. In a statement, Gohmert said he complied with the policy when he first entered the House chamber, but when he exited for a bathroom break, he did not re-enter through the metal detectors.
Neither Clyde nor his office has responded to AccessWDUN for comment, nor has Clyde said anything to national media outlets.
Clyde was elected to office on Nov. 3, 2020.
Clyde's office confirmed last week he will be a guest on WDUN's Morning Talk with Martha Zoller on Monday, Feb. 8. The program airs from 9 to 10 a.m. on AM 550 and FM 102.9.
