SENATE DEMS OUT WITH COVID

Three Democratic senators have disclosed positive COVID-19 diagnoses so far this week, with one lawmaker quarantining overseas due to his infection.

  • Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) announced his positive test Wednesday afternoon, saying he was experiencing “mild” symptoms.
  • Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) announced he tested positive earlier on Wednesday while in India for a planned eight-day trip as part of an economic delegation. His office said Ossoff would isolate in the country and expects to return to the United States next week.
  • Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) on Tuesday announced she also tested positive and will work remotely throughout the week.

The split vote: With the Senate’s 50-50 makeup, any absence can swing the odds of a piece of legislation’s success if lawmakers vote strictly along party lines.

 

Republican Sen. Richard Burr (N.C.) also announced that he had tested positive for the coronavirus earlier this week.

 

The chamber is slated to hold multiple votes on President Biden’s judicial nominees this week.