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.”
President Trump announced a framework on Monday for a new trade deal with Mexico and wants to dissolve the name NAFTA due to its "bad connotations." The framework does not extend to Canada at the moment, Trump said.
Philip Wegmann, reporter for the Washington Examiner, spoke with Cheddar about the late Sen. John McCain's legacy and how he'll be remembered among his colleagues in the Senate.
Rick Wilson, author of "Everything Trump Touches Dies" tells Cheddar that the news of Michael Cohen's plea deal is "the first inning of the first game" in the special counsel's sprawling investigation.
President Trump's former attorney Michael Cohen pleaded guilty to tax fraud, while ex-campaign chief Paul Manafort was convicted on 8 of 18 counts in his own trial Tuesday.
The Trump administration is weakening restrictions on coal-powered plant emissions, rolling back an Obama-era policy meant to lower harmful chemicals in the environment.
