Sen. LaFonza Butler, D-Calif., announced Monday that he will not be able to travel to the Capitol this week after testing positive for COVID-19.
“Unfortunately, after a fairly busy schedule, I have tested positive for coronavirus,” Butler said. Posts“In accordance with CDC guidelines, I am resting in preparation for future engagements. I look forward to joining my colleagues when I am able to return to work,” he posted on social media.
This is the second time Butler has tested positive since being appointed to fill the seat of the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), the first time being in mid-October, just a week into her term as senator.
The news means Congress will be roughly split evenly between Democrats and Republicans this week, as Sen. Bob Menendez (D-J.D.) has also been away from the Capitol in recent weeks due to his trial in New York.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is pushing ahead with his plan to bring reproductive rights to the forefront of Congress by voting for Sen. Tammy Duckworth’s (D-Ill.) Protecting Access to IVF Act.
The bill is expected to fail, similar to last week’s vote on birth control.
The Senate is also scheduled to vote on several nominees to serve on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
