Sen. Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.) announced Monday that she tested positive for COVID-19, keeping her away from the Capitol this week.
“Unfortunately, after a very busy schedule, I tested positive for Covid,” said Butler posted on social media. “I am following CDC guidelines and resting up for the work ahead. I look forward to joining my colleagues as soon as I am available.”
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 occurred in mid-October, just a week into his term in the upper house.
The news means the House will essentially be evenly split between Democrats and Republicans this week, as Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) has also been absent from Capitol Hill in recent weeks due to his trial in New York.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) is moving forward with plans to keep reproductive rights in the spotlight with a vote on Sen. Tammy Duckworth’s (D-Ill.) bill to protect access to fertilization in vitro.
The bill, like last week’s vote on contraceptives, is expected to fail.
The Senate is also expected to vote on several nominees to become members of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
This story originally appeared on thehill.com read the full story
