The Senate returns Monday amid mounting anxiety from lawmakers that the coronavirus could spread quickly through the chamber.
The Capitol’s attending physician said Thursday that coronavirus tests will be available for staffers and senators that are ill, but not enough to proactively test all 100 senators as the chamber comes back in session, according to two people familiar with the matter.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has repeatedly vowed that the Senate can operate safely amid the pandemic with proper social distancing and masks. While originally planning to come back next week, House Democrats said they decided against returning after consulting with Monahan. He did not address on Thursday whether he believed it was safe for the Senate to return, one of the people familiar with the call said.
Some Democrats also have indicated they may not return next week if the Senate is not taking up coronavirus relief legislation or doing oversight on the aid effort. McConnell is focused on confirming judicial and executive nominees in the coming days.
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