Senators Joe Manchin and Lisa Murkowski test positive for Covid-19

July 26, 2022 | Author: 4U.S.Integrity | Posted in U.S. Government

CNN — Two key moderate senators — Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska — announced Monday that they have tested positive for Covid-19.

This morning I tested positive for COVID-19. I am fully vaccinated and boosted and am experiencing mild symptoms. I will isolate and follow CDC guidelines as I continue to work remotely to serve West Virginians.

— Senator Joe Manchin (@Sen_JoeManchin) July 25, 2022

After experiencing flu like symptoms I recently tested positive for COVID-19. I will be following guidance and advice from doctors and will be quarantining at home in Alaska while continuing my work remotely.

— Sen. Lisa Murkowski (@lisamurkowski) July 25, 2022

Manchin represents an important vote in the Senate that is split 50-50, and his support is essential for most legislation that is divided along partisan lines. Perhaps most notably, Manchin has been a key negotiator in a package to overhaul Medicare prescription drug prices and extend health care subsidies for Affordable Care Act coverage.

Murkowski has been supportive of the legislation protecting same-sex marriage, a bill for which at least 10 GOP senators would need to support with all 50 Democrats in order to overcome a filibuster.

While Manchin and Murkowski can continue to work remotely, Senate floor votes must take place in person. The chamber does not have a proxy voting system for floor votes like the House of Representatives adopted at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

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