North Carolina GOP congressman tests positive for COVID-19

Rep. Ted Budd (R-N.C.) on Tuesday became the second House lawmaker this week to announce he’s tested positive for COVID-19. 

The announcement comes amid a recent rise in coronavirus cases among lawmakers that reflects the surge happening across the country. Budd is among more than two dozen House members and more than a handful of senators who have tested positive for the virus this year.

Budd tweeted that he is experiencing “very mild symptoms,” and will be staying on his farm in North Carolina when the House returns this week.

“I want to let folks know that I tested positive for COVID-19 today and will be quarantining on the farm for a bit,” Budd said in a video message shared on Twitter. “I have very mild symptoms, but I’m still working with my district and DC staff remotely.” 

“Even though I have to stay here in North Carolina for the time being, I’ll keep fighting for solutions that will help people who are feeling the impact of COVID much worse than I am,” Budd continued. “Nothing is going to stop me from doing the job that the voters elected me to do.”

I want to let folks know that I tested positive for COVID-19 and have very mild symptoms.

Even though I have to stay on the farm for a bit, nothing is going to stop me from doing the job that the voters elected me to do. pic.twitter.com/tYsKrIeRZl

— Rep. Ted Budd (@RepTedBudd) December 1, 2020

Budd’s announcement came the day after Rep. Austin Scott (R-Ga.)’s office disclosed that he had tested positive for the virus on Monday night.

Congress has put measures in place to try and reduce the spread of the virus, including a requirement to wear masks on the chamber floor. Lawmakers from both chambers are coming into Washington this week as Congress faces a Dec. 11 government funding deadline and the consideration of some form of coronavirus relief.

The House launched a new testing program last month for lawmakers and staff in an attempt to help with contract tracing and prevent further spread.