The House will not immediately return to session next week, Democratic leaders announced Thursday after two lawmakers announced they have tested positive for the coronavirus.
Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, a Maryland Democrat, told lawmakers the House would not reconvene “until we are in position to vote on” on a major stimulus package now in the works.
That measure could indeed be ready any day now, but Hoyer’s announcement changes the schedule calling for the House to gavel in next week no matter what.
Hoyer said he made the decision “in light of the guidance issued by the CDC,” which has advised against large gatherings and airplane travel for older people.
Many House lawmakers are over the age of 60 and thus among the most vulnerable to getting very sick from the coronavirus.
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Hoyer said when lawmakers next need to vote, “The House will adjust our voting procedures.”
Democrats have discussed only allowing a small number of lawmakers in the chamber at a time.
During typical votes, most of the 435 House members crowd into the chamber all at once.
Hoyer’s announcement comes after Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, a Florida Republican, and Rep. Ben McAdams, a Utah Democrat, announced positive tests for the coronavirus.
Several other lawmakers who were in contact with the infected House members announced they would self-quarantine for 14 days.
Neither the House nor the Senate allows remote voting. Some Senate Democrats are discussing a change in the rules to allow it, but Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Kentucky Republican, does not support the change. He has called on senators to stay close to D.C. while a major stimulus package is crafted, so they can vote on it in person.
