Senate bid to speed infrastructure package runs into virus hurdle

WASHINGTON — Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s plan to pass a $550 billion infrastructure bill this week hit a potential obstacle from a surprising source when a key Republican announced he tested positive for COVID-19 and would quarantine for 10 days.

South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, one of 10 Republicans who helped negotiate the infrastructure package and provided crucial votes to move it forward in the Senate, said he was tested on Monday after experiencing flu-like symptoms on Saturday. He said he was vaccinated.

But the positive test for Graham highlights the surge in COVID-19 cases across the U.S. brought on by the fast-spreading delta variant and the risks for lawmakers.

Graham went to an event over the weekend hosted by Sen. Joe Manchin on his houseboat and attended by other senators, according to spokesman Kevin Bishop.

Manchin, a West Virginia Democrat, told reporters he has tested negative for an infection. At least four other senators have confirmed they were at a gathering with Graham, but none so far has tested positive. Centers for Disease Control guidance doesn’t require quarantine for vaccinated people who’ve been exposed unless they have symptoms.

The Senate doesn’t allow proxy voting like the House, so the quarantine would mean Graham would miss votes on the legislation, which Schumer wants passed before the end of the week. Graham’s vote alone wouldn’t necessarily hold up the bill. There were 67 votes last week to advance it, including 17 Republicans. Sixty votes are needed finish the legislation.