Sen. Manchin Tests Positive for COVID

Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) announced he tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday as the Senate looks to complete an array of priorities before breaking for August recess.

“This morning I tested positive for COVID-19. I am fully vaccinated and boosted and am experiencing mild symptoms,” he tweeted. “I will isolate and follow CDC guidelines as I continue to work remotely to serve West Virginians.”

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Manchin is a key vote for both parties, often deciding the fate of sweeping legislation due to the razor-thin majority in the upper chamber.

The West Virginia Democrat’s diagnosis comes as Democrats look to garner the votes needed to pass legislation to provide funding for semiconductor chips and push for the support needed to pass legislation to codify the right to same-sex marriage.

Manchin’s illness also comes as Democrats push the centrist senator to continue talks with leadership on a budget reconciliation bill that would allow the party to pass legislation without GOP support on Medicare drug pricing.

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Manchin previously threw cold water on progressives’ desire to pass the party-line bill, which some hoped would include language to address climate change and unwind parts of the GOP’s landmark tax bill — with the senator citing concerns over rising inflation.

The West Virginia Democrat’s positive test comes just days after President Joe Biden tested positive for the first time.