Republican Representative Brian Mast is appealing a $500 fine from Nancy Pelosi because he did not wear a face mask while on the House floor. Mast says that Pelosi’s mask mandate for House members is unlawful because it directly contradicts guidances from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Fox News reports:

“I am appealing Speaker Pelosi’s $500 fine because I was in full compliance with the CDC guidance and it is unlawful,” Mast, R-Fla., said in a statement Monday. “The scientists at the CDC told us if you are fully vaccinated, you can go about your life without wearing a mask or physically distancing. So, that’s what I’m doing.”

He added: “It has never been about following the science for Speaker Pelosi. It has always been about power and control.”

Mast, who is fully vaccinated, was fined $500 for not following Pelosi’s mask requirement, which the speaker and Capitol Attending Physician Dr. Brian Monahan have said will remain unchanged “until all members and floor staff are fully vaccinated.” According to Pelosi, a second violation will result in a $2,500 fine.

Mast, in appealing the fine, sent a letter to chair of the House Ethics Committee Rep. Ted Deutch, D-Fla., and ranking member Jackie Walorski, R-Ind., arguing that he “was in full compliance” with CDC guidance.

House Republicans have been extremely critical of Nancy Pelosi for continuing to force House members to wear face masks despite updated guidances by the CDC. The Senate does not have a mask rule for members. So far approximately 75% of House members have received the Covid-19 vaccine.

Last week, Speaker Pelosi was also seen in a crowded room at the White House without a mask or adhering to social distancing guidelines.