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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From politics to pop culture, 2017 has been a historic year for women. Brit + Co's Cortney Clift joins us to discuss the media company's "Year in Women" feature.
In a speech on the Senate floor this morning, Senator Al Franken (D-MN) tendered his resignation. His decision could have rippling effects on the ongoing policy battle over tax reform.
As the dust settles in Washington over the Senate tax reform, clear winners and losers are emerging. Tobie Stanger, Senior Editor at Consumer Reports, breaks down the pros and cons of the proposed legislation.
California is set to legalize recreational marijuana this January. Politicians and regulators are scrambling to put together the legal framework for the state's marijuana market in time.
