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
Top Stories 12/8/2017
Between Bells brings you today's top headlines from Cheddar's Flatiron studio in New York.
The Divide On Sexual Misconduct In Congress
Washington is still reeling from Senator Al Franken's decision to resign. Rare Politics Editor Jack Hunter lays out the debate happening in Congress over issues of sexual harassment.
Sen Al Franken Resigns as RNC and Trump Get Behind Roy Moore
Alex Merced, candidate for Vice Chair of the Libertarian National Committee, and Jason Howerton, Senior Editor at the Independent Journal Review, weigh in on the differences between the Democrats' response to allegations of sexual misconduct against Al Franken, and the GOP response to Roy Moore.
Between Bells: December 7, 2017
VF Hive + Between Bells: Vanity Fair's Hive interviews departing editor-in-chief Graydon Carter. Between Bells covers the biggest political, entertainment, and business headlines.
Load More