Some Hill staffers seemed unsure of what to do, showing up at work with a mask on then taking it off when they saw their colleagues without one. Susan Collins, R-Maine, waved her mask in the air in celebration when the news broke - a number of Republicans staffers were still wearing masks Friday. While Republicans appeared particularly quick to embrace the new guidelines - Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., proclaimed “free at last” and Sen. Masks are still required on the House floor. On Capitol Hill, about half of House members and aides were still wearing masks on Friday, with both Republicans and Democrats appearing hesitant to make the change. The day before the mask guidance change, GOP commentators mocked the White House for a photograph showing the president and congressional leaders wearing masks during an Oval Office meeting even though they had all been vaccinated. The new guidance also undercuts a frequent Republican attack on Biden for his emphasis on wearing masks and mask mandates put in place by Democratic governors. Evan Vucci / APīy Friday morning, no staffers were seen wearing masks around the West Wing, and during the daily press briefing press secretary Jen Psaki and economic adviser Cecilia Rouse entered the briefing room without masks on before a group of mostly mask-less reporters. Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden leave together after speaking on updated guidance on mask mandates in the Rose Garden of the White House on Thursday. Two White House officials said only a few senior staff members were made aware of the new mask guidelines the day before they were announced. Inside the White House, the change came as an abrupt about-face for many staffers after months of pleas from the president and senior officials to wear masks as they habitually did so. WASHINGTON - A day after President Joe Biden, barefaced and smiling, announced that fully vaccinated Americans can shed their masks - a major move past one of the most visible effects of the pandemic - the reaction at the White House and across the federal government was mixed, as workers adjusted to a policy that took many by surprise.
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