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.”
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President Trump doubles down on tariffs, saying a trade war doesn't hurt us. Blackberry is suing Facebook. Amazon Prime's former Vice President is heading to Airbnb. Plus, we take a look at the business of marijuana on Cheddar's Cannabiz.
Cheddar's CannaBiz explores the latest trends, politics, and market opportunity in this space. Cheddar Anchor's Brad Smith, Hope King and Alyssa Julya Smith speak with legislators and start-up founders in this emerging market.
Marijuana businesses have undergone quite a makeover as more states adopt laws to allow medicinal and recreational use. Support to legalize marijuana is at record highs with 64 percent of Americans in support of legalization according to a Gallup poll. Cannabrand's Founder and CEO Olivia Mannix explains how the perception of this market has evolved.
Berkeley is the first city in the nation to become a sanctuary city for cannabis. Through a city council vote in February the group unanimously voted to prohibit any city agencies to use its resources to assist in enforcing federal marijuana laws. Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguín explains how this legislation is impacting his city.
This Changes Things hosts Baker Machado and Brad Smith explain how small businesses will be impacted by Trump's proposed tariffs. Plus, why Nordstrom rejected a bid from the company's founding family.
Cheddar spoke with RNC spokesperson Kayleigh McEnany who said, before the news broke, that it's important for Republicans get behind the president's trade policies.
Jesse Arreguín, mayor of Berkeley, Calif., says that local police officers will not collaborate with the DEA to enforce federal drug laws. Arreguín shared advice for cities and states considering becoming "sanctuaries" for cannabis.
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