Republicans Lift Ban On Smoking In Capitol Offices

Mediaite reports:

“Smoke ’em if you got ’em.” That’s not just the name of a 2004 Cypress Hill EP but also apparently the new rule in the GOP-controlled House. Republican members are lighting up their cigars in Congressional offices — and driving members of the press corps “insane in the brain” with the smell.

An executive order signed by President Bill Clinton in 1997 banned smoking in many federal buildings, but only those under the control of the Executive Branch. The laws in Washington, D.C. similarly ban smoking in indoor spaces, but again, that does not apply to congressional offices.

Read the full article.

‘Cigar Hotboxing’ Happening in Congressional Offices After Republicans Lifted Indoor Smoking Ban https://t.co/dF5UMZ4Idi

— Mediaite (@Mediaite) January 11, 2023

There’s an inescapable stench of tobacco smoke in the Capitol’s hallways https://t.co/CPditqBBj8

— Bloomberg (@business) January 11, 2023

Washington, D.C., law bans smoking in all indoor spaces, but it does not apply to the private offices of members of Congress, never has.

— Patricia Zengerle (@ReutersZengerle) January 11, 2023

There has indeed been some cigar hotboxing happening in a certain Rules Committee chairman’s office, which is nearby the House press gallery.

And the smell is…… strong https://t.co/8Or0RhRtzp

— Ursula Perano (@UrsulaPerano) January 11, 2023