WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has tested positive for COVID-19 and reports experiencing very mild symptoms, his spokesman said Sunday night.
Schumer, 71, is fully vaccinated and has received two booster shots, spokesman Justin Goodman said in a statement.
The New York Democrat will follow federal health guidelines and quarantine this week while working remotely, Goodman said.
“Anyone who knows Leader Schumer knows that even if he’s not physically in the Capitol, through virtual meetings and his trademark flip phone he will continue with his robust schedule and remain in near constant contact with his colleagues,” Goodman said.
Schumer will be working remotely this week. Here’s how that will affect a 50-50 Senate
POLITICO – Here’s where it matters: Democrats have been preparing for a massive July push to finish work on a long-dormant party-line social spending and climate change package.
But Schumer’s closely held talks with Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) will now go virtual, with the leader out of commission for the week.
Here’s where it may matter less: The Senate hopes to confirm Steven Dettelbach as the nation’s top gun regulator this week.
He got two GOP senators to back him on a procedural vote in June — which means that, if those same two Republicans (Rob Portman and Susan Collins) stay onside, it may not make a difference that Schumer is away and Sen. Patrick Leahy’s (D-Vt.) status is unclear after hip replacement surgery.
We’ll have to see if Democrats still move on the nomination this week.
Adding to the problems: Another senator, Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), announced a positive test on Monday as well.
And Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), who was out due to a hand injury before the recess, says he’s back … READ MORE.
