Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.V., said Monday that he has tested positive for COVID-19. The news comes as Democrats seek to advance legislation before the August recess.
While President Joe Biden has worked in a limited capacity this week while having COVID-19, Manchin would not be able to remotely cast votes in the Senate. The conservative Democrat is considered a key swing vote.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, also tested positive for COVID-19. She said she experienced flu-like symptoms.
In a tweet, Manchin indicated that his symptoms were mild and that he will continue to work remotely until Congress enters the August recess.
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
While the House enacted legislation during the pandemic that created a proxy voting system for remote voting on legislation, the Senate did not enact similar legislation.
Manchin’s contracting COVID-19 could help or hinder the passing of Democrat legislation.
He has been a roadblock to the Biden agenda. The long-time senator recently prevented the passing of the Women’s Health Protection Act as well as key climate change legislation and the Build Back Better plan.
Manchin’s absence coincides with Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., who is recovering from a fall, as well as Sen. Tom Carper, D-Del., who tested positive for COVID-19 last week.
In a series of posts crafted to show he remains at the country’s helm despite catching Covid-19, President Joe Biden tweeted a picture of himself working at his desk, and a video clip filmed on a White House balcony
Photo: AFP / Samuel Corum