News / Politics

3 vaccinated Texas lawmakers who fled elections bill vote test positive for Covid

Sunday, 18 July 2021 4:55 AM [ Last Update: Sunday, 18 July 2021 5:00 AM ]

US Vice President Kamala Harris meets with Democratic members of the Texas state legislature who fled the state in an effort to slow changes to election laws and voter access, in Washington, US, July 13, 2021. (Reuters photo)

Three vaccinated Texas lawmakers who were part of a group that flew to Washington DC to block passage of a restrictive new Republican-sponsored voting law have tested positive for Covid-19.

The Texas State House Democratic Caucus said on Saturday that the three lawmakers had been fully vaccinated, but tested positive during the last 24 hours.

One lawmaker tested positive Friday and the other two did so on Saturday, according to caucus director Phillip Martin.

Over 60 Democrats from the Texas House of Representatives arrived in Washington on Monday after leaving their home state on a private charter flight.

The lawmakers left Texas to deny the GOP the necessary quorum to pass bills which would restrict mail-in ballots and some early voting procedures.

The State House in Austin reconvened on Tuesday but because of the missing Democrats, there were not enough members present to conduct business.

Meanwhile, critics pointed out that several of the lawmakers, who posed for a picture onboard one of the planes, were not wearing face masks, as is required by the federal government on commercial flights.

“The House Democratic Caucus is following all CDC guidance and protocols,” Chairman Chris Turner said in a statement. “This is a sober reminder that Covid is still with us, and though vaccinations offer tremendous protection, we still must take necessary precautions.

“We are in touch with public health experts in Texas to provide additional guidance,” he added. “Our caucus will follow all recommendations from public health experts as we continue our work.”

During the past week, members of the group had meetings with Vice President Kamala Harris, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Joe Manchin.

So far, there has been no confirmation that anyone who tested positive was present in those meetings.