Debates are taking place from city hall to Congress on how elected officials can conduct official business as some have to self-quarantine after being exposed to COVID-19.
Not surprising, yet to our continued disappointment in them, some Democrats see a political advantage and new ways to gain power including our own U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet.
The first holdup in passing the stimulus package and aid for American workers came in the U.S. Senate, where several senators of the Republican persuasion had to miss votes because they were in self-quarantine.
Some in Congress, including U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, have tested positive for the virus.
That gave Democrats tremendous negotiating power for a plethora of pandemic pork with our taxpayer dollars before the $2 trillion package was allowed to pass.
The House of Representatives will gavel back into session today to debate the bill, and now they’re asking themselves if they should be allowed to vote remotely.
Not surprising, Democrats control the House so many think remote voting is a good idea.
Rep. Joe Neguse, who is a part of the House leadership team, believes there are “legitimate arguments” for remote voting. “I suspect we’re going to have some robust debates and discussions about remote voting,” he said.
But asked about future votes in the Senate and whether they should vote remotely, Bennet’s spokeswoman said that’s “not ideal.”
Of course it’s not ideal, but the government needs to function as elected. Control of either chamber should not depend on which party has the most members in COVID-19 quarantine.
What would happen if Denver City Councilwoman Candi CdeBaca’s Twitter buddy, who fantasizes about spreading COVID-19 among Republicans, should go waltzing through a GOP caucus luncheon coughing on everyone’s plate?
Sure that’s extreme and unlikely, but with more and more in Congress forced to self-quarantine after being in contact with those infected by the virus, they need to approve remote voting until COVID-19 stops its rapid spread.