Trump, Lee, Tillis: Congress Reconsiders Testing Its Own
Last edited Fri Oct 2, 2020, 11:11 PM - Edit history (2)
Source: AP News
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Congressional leaders said Friday they are taking a fresh look at requiring virus testing on Capitol Hill after President Donald Trump's virus infection revived fears of an outbreak in the close, increasingly tense quarters of the House and Senate.
Just hours after news of Trump's diagnosis shook Washington and the 2020 campaign, Sens. Mike Lee, R-Utah, and Thom Tillis, R-N.C., became the latest members of Congress to test positive for the virus that has killed more than 205,000 Americans. All three attended the White House Rose Garden introduction Saturday of Trump's nominee for the Supreme Court, Amy Coney Barrett.
As Trump's campaign canceled or postponed in-person events, anxiety spiked on Capitol Hill, where testing and tracing is offered, but not required, for anyone who thinks they may have been exposed to COVID-19. We simply cannot allow the administration's cavalier attitude to adversely affect this branch of government," said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer in a statement. "It is imperative that all results be made public in order to contain a possible outbreak and so we can determine the need for senators and staff to quarantine or self-isolate."
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said he spoke with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi Friday morning about boosting or requiring testing in the Capitol. "We haven't made a decision on that. In light of that we need to consult with our medical people," Hoyer, D-Md., told reporters. He said one concern was doing reliable tests. Later, Pelosi's office referred to a statement from the Capitol physician reiterating the current policy...
Read more: https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-donald-trump-politics-amy-coney-barrett-mike-lee-f50d1abf70bc5e541b14ee1c81aeffb6
The dilemma facing Congress remains resembles the situation in schools, houses of worship, workplaces and the White House as the virus rampages across the U. S. Both across the nation and on Capitol Hill, there are no comprehensive plans that require testing or wearing masks.
It's a potential disease vector consisting of tunnels, parlors, tiny elevators and odd staircases traveled by chatty lawmakers who have flown in from all over. Many congress members are older and more vulnerable to infection, some Republicans have refused to wear masks at times.
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