Breaking through the mask in a broken Congress: How the pandemic has changed bipartisan relationships Face-to-face interactions are vital to building bipartisan relationships in Congress, but for the past year, necessary public health measures have stripped members of some of those opportunities. The Capitol is seen in Washington, early Wednesday, April 28, 2021, as President Joe Biden prepares to address House and Senate lawmakers on his first 100 days in office. Biden will speak before a pared-down gathering of mask-wearing legislators due to coronavirus restrictions.(J. Scott Applewhite) 9:42 AM on May 17, 2021 CDT Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Rep. Van Taylor, R-Plano, was known for working the other side of the aisle, talking to and collaborating with Democrats the same way he did in the Texas Legislature.