GOP Rep. James Baird Fined $5,000 For Bypassing Capitol Security Metal Detector

United States Rep. James Baird (R-Indiana) has been fined $5,000 for refusing to comply with a security screening while entering the Capitol.

On November 17, Baird refused to walk through a metal detector before making his way to the floor of the House of Representatives, which became required of all members of Congress after the January 6 Capitol insurrection.

House Sargeant at Arms William Walker notified House Ethics Committee Chair Ted Deutch (D-Florida) of the infraction the following day. Walker also sent Baird a copy of the report filed by the Capitol Police, which states that while Baird “made eye contact” with the officer on duty, he  “proceeded to enter the House floor” without going through the standard screening process.

“As a result of your failure to complete security screening, and as this is the first time that you have not complied with U.S. Capitol Police security screening to enter the House Chamber, a fine of $5,000 is imposed on you pursuant to section 1 (a) of House Resolution 73. As required by the resolution, I am also notifying the Speaker, the Committee on Ethics, and the Chief Administration Officer,” wrote Walker.

Baird has 30 days to submit an appeal and is far from the only Republican lawmaker facing hefty fines for refusing to comply with the House’s rules.

On Friday, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Georgia) confirmed that she has racked up $63,000 in fines for refusing to wear a mask while on the House floor. She also revealed that she has not been vaccinated against the coronavirus.

“I’m not vaccinated either. And I won’t be getting vaccinated. And that’s my own personal choice. I support people that want the vaccine. If anybody wanted one, I would drive them to go get one because I support people’s freedom to make their own decision. But I do not want to get the vaccine myself, and I don’t need to wear a mask. It’s not changing anything,” Greene said.