As senators return to Capitol Hill from an extended recess due to the virus outbreak, they will be supplied with rapid COVID-19 tests, according to President Donald Trump and Department of Health and Human Services chief Alex Azar.
Azar said in a tweet of his own that the administration will supply lawmakers with tests and also three rapid-result testing machines.
“Good news: as the Senate reconvenes to do important work for the American people during this public health crisis, we have now received an initial request and are sending three Abbott point of care testing machines and 1,000 tests for their use,” Azar said in a tweet late May 1.
While Monahan reportedly said he lacked the equipment to perform rapid COVID-19 tests, Azar’s announcement of the expected delivery of the Abbott testing machines suggests that may no longer be a constraint.
In his tweet, Trump also suggested there were enough tests to accommodate members of the House, “which should return but isn’t because of Crazy Nancy P,” referring to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.).
On May 1, Hoyer wrote a letter to Monahan and Chief Administrative Officer of the House Philip Kiko, asking them to share guidance they have been developing on how to safely reopen the Capitol.
“In order to resume Capitol operations, we need to have detailed plans in place for the provision of supplies to disinfect surfaces and protect individuals from exposure and information on how many staff ought to return first in each office during a phased return,” Hoyer said in the letter.
“Even when members and staff are able to come back, social distancing measures will likely have to remain in place for some time, which is why any reopening plans ought to account for the need to employ virtual tools for caucus gatherings, press events, and committee meetings,” he wrote.