Rand Paul (R-KY) has become the first Senator to reveal that he’s tested positive for coronavirus. His office released a statement saying:
Senator Rand Paul has tested positive for COVID-19. He is feeling fine and is in quarantine. He is asymptomatic and was tested out of an abundance of caution due to his extensive travel and events. He was not aware of any direct contact with any infected person.
He expects to be back in the Senate after his quarantine period ends and will continue to work for the people of Kentucky at this difficult time. Ten days ago, our D.C. office began operating remotely, hence virtually no staff has had contact with Senator Rand Paul.
This isn’t Paul’s first health scare in the last year. Last August, Paul revealed, “Part of my lung damaged by the 2017 assault had to be removed by surgery this weekend.”
Meanwhile, Paul has been criticized for his action in Congress regarding coronavirus, NBC says “Paul was the sole “no” vote on the $8.3 billion coronavirus spending bill the Senate passed earlier this month.” And Paul was also blamed for halting coronavirus legislation this past Tuesday.
Senators were heading toward a vote on the package — which would include provisions for free coronavirus testing, secure paid emergency leave, enhance unemployment insurance, strengthen food security initiatives and increase federal Medicaid funding to states — but they had to slam on the brakes because of an amendment Paul proposed.
Senators who’ve worked closely with Paul over the last few days now wonder if they should self-quarantine.