DEMOCRAT Gwen Moore traveled to Washington D.C. just six days after testing positive for the coronavirus to vote for Nancy Pelosi — who narrowly won reelection as House Speaker.
Moore, who represents Wisconsin’s 4th Congressional District, announced ahead of her vote that she was “medically cleared to travel and work.”
“Thank you all for the well wishes. I am feeling good! My quarantine is over and I am medically cleared to travel and work on behalf of Wisconsin’s Fourth Congressional District,” she tweeted.
Moore literally bumped elbows with Congressman Jim Langevin of Rhode Island in the House chambers, Huffington Post reported.
The congresswoman announced on Twitter on Dec. 28 that she had tested positive for COVID-19 while encouraging others to take safety measures to prevent its spread.
“I am following guidance from my doctor and am isolating from others. I am thankful to be feeling well. And I do not foresee this disrupting my work for Wisconsin’s Fourth,” she tweeted.
She continued: “I encourage every person to continue taking measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by wearing a mask, washing your hands, and practicing social distancing.”
Three other members of the House – two Democrats and a Republican — received special arrangements to vote after being exposed to the coronavirus, though they tested negative, Politico reported.
The arrangements included entering through a private entrance and voting from a plexiglass box set up above the gallery, used by Representative Tim Ryan of Ohio, Fox News reported.
Dr. Brian Monahan, Attending Physician of the U.S. Congress, said in a statement to CNN that the plexiglass booth was set up to “allow members who are in quarantine status to fulfill their Constitutional duties.”
The House was reportedly supposed to limit members entering Congress’ lower chamber in groups, but hundreds were seen “hovering” on the floor, Fox News reported.
Pelosi narrowly won reelection with 216 votes after a tight election on Sunday in which she earned the support of some of her caucus adversaries and absorbed only a few defections.
Republicans slammed Pelosi’s “quest for power” after Moore’s decision to vote despite having just had the coronavirus.
“The coronavirus won’t stop Nancy Pelosi’s quest for power,” tweeted Steve Guest, the Republican National Committee’s rapid response director.
He continued: “Democrat Rep. Gwen Moore announced a positive coronavirus test 6 days ago. She hasn’t been in DC since May & has been voting by proxy. But because Pelosi wants power, despite being COVID +, Moore is headed back to DC.”
