According to Puck News, senators have embraced the behavior that the COVID-19 testing protocols Democrats previously praised as necessary should not stand in the way of a major and much-needed legislative win.
When asked by the Washington Examiner about the report, a spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) pointed to remarks he made last week.
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A reporter asked Schumer at the time: "On the health question, I mean, you guys have full attendance for the first time since June this week. If one of you gets COVID, will you guys stick around? Is there a plan B?"
Schumer responded, "We're not talking about a plan B. We're going to stay healthy."
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The alienation from protocol has rankled some Republicans, who have been the target of Democratic attacks over what Democrats have characterized as an irresponsible approach to the virus.
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"For two years, Democrats scolded Americans for 'putting others at risk' for not adhering to COVID protocols. But ramming through taxes warrants breaking the rules," a GOP Senate leadership aide told the Washington Examiner. "Total hypocrisy."
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Schumer has set his aims on a weekend vote on a bill that Democrats have pursued for more than a year. A recent agreement between Schumer and Democratic Sens. Joe Manchin (WV) and Kyrsten Sinema (AZ) has made way for the bill to advance, awaiting a ruling from the Senate parliamentarian.
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COVID-19 has already complicated Democrats’ ability to legislate in recent weeks.
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Schumer healed from the virus after testing positive in July; Manchin, his main negotiating partner for the Inflation Reduction Act, tested positive two weeks later.
Sens. Dick Durbin (D-IL), Tom Carper (D-DE), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) also all tested positive in July and had to isolate.
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Unlike the House, the Senate does not allow proxy voting. All senators must be physically present in the chamber to take part in the vote.
Senate Democrats have unofficially instituted a “don’t test, don’t tell” policy on Covid ahead of a scheduled procedural vote for the so-called Inflation Reduction Act.
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A senior Senate aide reportedly told the outlet, “They’re not going to delay it if a member has gotten Covid. Counterparts are saying they’re not going to test anymore. It’s not an official mandate but we all know we’re not letting Covid get in the way. The deal is happening. Less testing, just wear masks and get it done.”
Another unnamed source suggested if lawmakers catch Covid “you can bring your ventilator and still vote.”