Lawmakers are beginning to push for Congress to go into recess because of the growing coronavirus outbreak, with some expressing concern that members could even bring the disease home with them.
Members of Congress "are concerned, particularly older members and a number who have conditions that make them more susceptible," NBC News reports, quoting an unnamed person characterized as a Democrat congressional source
The fears are growing after reports that a person attending the recent Conservative Political Action Conference has been hospitalized with COVID-19.
Two lawmakers, Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Ariz., and Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, said Sunday they would self-quarantine at home. Both said they were in contact with that individual. Gosar said he was in "extended" contact with the person and Cruz saying he had a brief interaction. Both said they are having no symptoms, but were acting out of caution.
Members are planning to speak with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., Monday. Last week, she told reporters that it is "unreasonable" to think everyone who enters the Capitol can be tested.
In addition, some lawmakers are encouraging Congress to stay the course to show leadership and to conduct oversight of the Trump administration's response.
There also are concerns because the Capitol is open to public tours, with visitors coming from around the world, and Capitol Hill office buildings are open to the public.
Two-thirds of the Senate is over the age of 60 — with one-fourth over 70 — causing worry that they could be more susceptible to the the disease.
Sandy Fitzgerald ✉
Sandy Fitzgerald has more than three decades in journalism and serves as a general assignment writer for Newsmax covering news, media, and politics.
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