Citing ‘irrational fears’ of killer pandemic, Republicans fight face masks in Congress

A bitter dispute erupted in a congressional hearing room on Friday, with Republicans refusing to wear face coverings and Democrats insisting that they do so. Republicans did not appear to be moved by his appeals, or those of other Democrats. The charge against mask-wearing was led by Rep. Mark Green, R-Tenn., a physician who was also a major in the U.S. Army. Green said that he could “cite many other professionals” who advised against protective…