Coronavirus Hits Congress, Lawmakers Rethink Voting Remotely
Al Grabo for the New York Times
We ran the numbers: There are 1947 news articles covering this topic. 36% (701) are left leaning, 43% (839) center, 21% (407) right leaning.
On Wednesday evening, Representative Mario Diaz-Balart and Ben McAdams announced they tested positive for COVID-19. While left-leaning articles highlight the possibility of remote voting in the Senate, right-leaning articles highlight members of Congress who have decided to self-quarantine.
A left-leaning article by The Washington Post reports that Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and Richard J. Durbin (D-I11.) jointly introduced a measure on Thursday that would allow for remote voting in the Senate for renewable 30-day periods. However, with no such remote-voting infrastructure currently in place, both chambers are moving forward with usual business while following some “social distancing” measures.
NPR published a centrist article highlighting that various members of Congress stated that they would self-quarantine after being in contact with lawmakers or others who tested positive for the coronavirus. The article also reports that Dr. Brian Monahan, a GOP leadership aide, is also connecting with members who might have been exposed, working with lawmakers who are getting tested.
A right-leaning article by Daily Caller highlights that Republican Oklahoma Rep. Tom Cole on Thursday announced that he would self-quarantine after coming in contact with another member of Congress who tested positive for coronavirus. The article also notes that Republican Texas Sen. Ted Cruz was the first to announce the self-quarantine after he was informed that he met the individual who attended the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) who was infected with coronavirus.
From the left
As coronavirus hits Congress lawmakers rethink tradition-shattering idea of voting remotely
Washington Post