
By David Morgan
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – With several lawmakers already sick with the coronavirus and many under self-quarantine, members of the U.S. Congress will do their best not to spread the infection on Friday when they debate a $2.2 trillion relief package to combat the pandemic.
The House of Representatives plans to fast-track the mammoth legislation that passed unanimously in the Senate by approving it on a simple voice vote and sending it to President Donald Trump for his signature.
Before that happens, some lawmakers are expected to travel to Washington to register their views in person, causing officials in the U.S. Capitol to adopt special procedures to minimize the threat of infection.
“It will be a lively, wonderful debate,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told reporters, as she predicted strong bipartisan House support for the measure.
Congress has considered whether to allow members to vote from outside the Capitol during…