GOP lawmakers accuse Pelosi of violating own rules, demand she pay fine

Republican lawmakers are stepping up pressure on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, alleging her use of a secret entrance at the Capitol violated her own metal detector screening rules and should merit a fine.

"Play by the rules Madam Speaker," Rep. Dan Crenshaw, R-Texas, tweeted on Saturday night. "Multiple members saw you enter the Chamber without going through YOUR metal detectors. Pay the $5,000 fine."

Crenshaw's tweet came after Rep. Rodney Davis, R-Ill., and other lawmakers wrote a letter Friday evening to Acting House Sergeant at Arms Paul Blodgett stating they witnessed Pelosi enter the House floor Thursday from a forbidden entrance, avoiding the metal detectors,

"Yesterday, at approximately 9:59 a.m., multiple members observed the Speaker of the House entering the House Chamber without completing security screening," Davis' letter read. "What was observed was a clear violation of House Resolution 73 and you are required by House Rules to impose this fine. Please inform us once the fine has been assessed."

The GOP complaints came as Rep. Louie Gohmert became the first lawmaker penalized under the new policy, slapped with a $5,000 fine after using the wrong door while returning from a bathroom break.