McCarthy asks Pelosi when Capitol will return to pre-pandemic normal

“Nearly a year ago to the day, you made the decision to close the Capitol to visitors and begin implementing new protocols to govern access and movement of the members and staff of the Capitol complex,” McCarthy said in a letter. “But since that time, we have learned more about the virus and have made monumental strides in our scientific and technological endeavors.”

Among the areas of progress, McCarthy said, are “vaccines with significant efficacy rates,” dropping coronavirus case and death rates, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance allowing those who are fully vaccinated to be more relaxed in following social distancing and masking rules.

“And to date, roughly 75 percent of House members have been fully vaccinated, or will be by the end of this week,” McCarthy said.