Manchin Tests Positive For COVID Ahead Of Crucial Week In Senate

Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) has announced on twitter that he has tested positive for COVID-19 as the chamber prepares to enter a legislative push ahead of the August recess.

• Manchin tweeted: "This morning I tested positive for COVID-19. I am fully vaccinated and boosted and am experiencing mild symptoms. I will isolate and follow CDC guidelines as I continue to work remotely to serve West Virginians."
• Capitol Hill reporter Taylor Popielarz: "Unwelcome news for Senate Democrats as they try to get through a laundry list of legislative items between this week and next week, before leaving town for August recess. Manchin is specifically needed for a reconciliation package (prescription drugs and Obamacare) to pass."
• Steven Dennis at Bloomberg: "Unless a Republican is missing or defects, Dems will eventually need all 50 [Democrat Senators plus the tie breaking vote of Vice President Kamala Harris] to cut prescription drug prices / extend ACA subsidies — the shrunken package Manchin has said he could support now."
• Joseph Zaballos-Roig at Business Insider: "We're reaching the point where putting Dem senators in hazmat suits doesn't sound like an outrageous idea. Ds still aim to get reconciliation done next week, but spate of covid infections underscore the fragility of the 50-50 Senate."
• Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) was expected to push for final votes on CHIPS-Plus, the slimmed down reconciliation bill, Finland and Sweden's NATO ratification, a same sex marriage bill, and an anti-trust bill.