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
Cosmopolitan Editor-in-Chief: "We Are Never Going Back"
During a special episode of Cheddar's Closing Bell in partnership with Cosmopolitan, we discussed the flood of sexual harassment and misconduct allegations against men in power, the shift happening for women in the workplace, and how to continue the conversation forward in 2018. Cheddar Anchor Kristen Scholer, Cosmopolitan Editor-in-Chief Michele Promaulayko, and Cosmopolitan Director of Editorial and Business Development Laura Brounstein take a look back at the hour inside the #MeToo movement.
How to Combat Gender Pay Gap at a Local Level
More people are calling for legislation to create a safer environment for women in the workplace. New York City Public Advocate Letitia James explains how she is pushing for change in legislation at the local level.
Sparking the #MeToo Movement
In 2016 Gretchen Carlson sued her former boss Fox News Chairman Roger Ailes for sexual harassment. This opened the floodgates for more women to come forward against Ailes. In a special hour in partnership with Cosmopolitan, Carlson shares why she was inspired to speak up.
President Trump Says He's Not Firing Robert Mueller
Despite reports to the contrary, President Trump told reporters he is not firing Special Counsel Robert Mueller. Independent Journal Review's Jason Howerton joins Cheddar to consider the investigation's future.
Opening Bell: December 18, 2017
Bitcoin futures start trading on the CME, and Congressional Democrats call for a hearing on the Disney/Fox deal. Plus tax reform gets closer, weather could have an impact on holiday shopping, and the rise of ICOs.
The GOP's Got the Votes
Jon Miller, White House Correspondent for CRTV, discusses the GOP tax bill, which could be voted on as early as Tuesday. The Republican Party secured the number of votes needed to pass the bill on Friday, when Senators Marco Rubio and Bob Corker jumped on board.
Load More