The U.S. Senate is back in business this morning after a two-week vacation but Sen. Chuck Schumer will not be participating as he’s tested positive for Covid:
NEW: SCHUMER has covid.
Senate is scheduled to be in this week after a two-week recess
— Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) July 11, 2022
Did anyone think Dems would get anything accomplished anyway?
UMMMMM: Schumer tested positive for COVID, his office says.
Not exactly what he needs when Democrats are trying to do A LOT in this last major work period before the midterms.
— Leigh Ann Caldwell (@LACaldwellDC) July 11, 2022
Sen. Schumer is reportedly experiencing “very mild symptoms”:
A) Schumer spox: As a part of his regular testing regimen, Leader Schumer received a positive test result for COVID-19. The Leader is fully vaccinated and double boosted, and has very mild symptoms.
— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) July 11, 2022
But the double-vaxxed, double-boosted 71-year-old will continue his “robust schedule” with his flip phone. Or something:
Schumer out with covid this week. Spokesman: "Anyone who knows Leader Schumer knows that even if he’s not physically in the Capitol, through virtual meetings and his trademark flip phone he will continue with his robust schedule and remain in near constant contact with" senators
— Burgess Everett (@burgessev) July 11, 2022
With Sen. Pat Leahy still recovering from hip surgery, it means Dems have only 48 votes in the Senate:
For reconciliation, this is not a huge setback. Earliest this was going to come up was late July. It will limit Manchin-Schumer one-on-one meetings, though.
More importantly for Dems, they are missing his vote. Unclear when Leahy will return: Office hasn't been specific
— Burgess Everett (@burgessev) July 11, 2022
Dems, who are pursuing a reconciliation deal, may get lucky with the timing . . . if they don’t lose any more members:
If they end up with a reconciliation deal, that's the week Senate Democrats will need all 50. That wasn't going to be this week.
Dettelbach ATF nom is set to come up this week: Collins/Portman supported discharge. Fed nom Barr scheduled for vote, had GOP support in committee
— Burgess Everett (@burgessev) July 11, 2022
And as for what’s actually in the reconciliation bill, it’s still a mystery! From ABC affiliate WRTV in Indianapolis:
Very few details on the proposed legislation have been released. Still, there is early agreement among Democrats to close tax loopholes for those making more than $400,000 by forcing new taxes on incomes from certain “pass-through” businesses.
According to reports, the change would make Medicare solvent until at least 2031.
The bill also includes, for the moment, prescription drug reform.
That policy proposal might limit how much a drug’s price can be increased from year to year.
It could also lower seniors’ prices by allowing Medicare to negotiate with drug companies for the first time.
We are told the legislation could include other ideas, too, like electric car tax credits, just as long as every Democrat in the Senate supports it and is paid for.
We’ll keep you posted.
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