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
Agree to Disagree: Jared Kushner Is On The Way Out
Infighting is the theme at the White House this week. Jared Kushner and John Kelly are still at odds, and the globalists are going head to head with the nationalists on trade tariffs. The Young Turks' Francis Maxwell and CRTV's Nate Madden discuss the biggest stories in Washington in this week's edition of "Agree to Disagree."
Opening Bell: March 5, 2018
Amazon is in talks with some big Wall Street banks to launch a checking account geared towards its younger customers. Apple will reportedly unveil a cheaper MacBook Air and noise-canceling headphones later this year. Ashley Jenkins, host of Rooster Teeth's "The Know," joins us to talk about the alleged meeting between President Trump and video game makers. Plus, we're recapping the 90th annual Academy Awards with Bonnie Fuller, editor-in-chief at Hollywood Life.
How to Run a Social Media Election Campaign
Richard Wolf is campaigning to become the Democratic nominee for Texas House District 63 using social media and memes. He says the online community has really mobilized his party in his area.
Trump Planning to Meet With Video Game Makers
Ashley Jenkins, host of '"The Know" on Rooster Teeth, discusses the White House's plans to have President Trump meet with video game developers about violent video games. But game makers say they have yet to receive any sort of invitation.
Trump Steps Out to Slam Media
Michael Harriot, columnist for The Root, breaks down President Trump's decision to attend the annual Gridiron Dinner. Trump cracked jokes at the expense of the media, his own cabinet, and even the First Lady.
Do Video Games Cause Violence?
After the Parkland, Fla., shooting last month, the Trump administration said it wants to talk with video game makers about the levels of violence in their products. But several studies show there is no causal link between playing video games and behavioral changes, says Ashley Jenkins, Host of Rooster Teeth's "The Know."
Closing Bell: March 2, 2018
The Dow closes the week down. Blackrock adds pressure on gun makers. Bitcoin and other digital currencies fall after the SEC issued dozens of subpoenas to investigate initial coin offerings.
Load More