Coronavirus has hit Capitol Hill, as the first members of Congress have tested positive for the virus. 

Reps. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.) and Ben McAdams (D-Utah) announced diagnoses late Wednesday. Diaz-Balart’s office said he had developed symptoms Saturday evening and was notified Wednesday of a positive test. Both had voted on the House floor as recently as Saturday morning, to pass the coronavirus relief bill.

Rep. Ben McAdams, D-Utah (Left), Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla. (Right)

At least five other members of Congress are quarantining because they had contact with the lawmakers, including Rep. Steve Scalise, the second-highest ranking Republican in the House. 

Some lawmakers had been pushing for ways to vote remotely, particularly since congressional members are disproportionately in higher-risk categories for coronavirus complications. Forty-eight senators are over the age of 65, the age at which some states have recommended individuals to stay inside their homes. 

Senator Dick Durban (D-Ill.) has said “it’s time for the Senate to wake up to the 21st century and make sure we’re using technology that allows us to communicate with each other without any danger or risk to public health.” 

Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), the highest-ranking Democrat on the Senate Rules Committee is reportedly looking into remote voting

Share:
More In Politics
U.S. Adds a Disappointing 130,000 Jobs in August
Despite the economy's sustained growth, the jobs added in August were less than the nearly 160,000 expected by analysts. Monthly employment growth so far this year now averages 158,000, which remains well below 223,000 average monthly gains in 2018.
Load More