Hoyer tests positive for COVID-19

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) disclosed Tuesday that he tested positive for COVID-19, becoming the latest member of Congress to contract the virus despite being vaccinated.

Hoyer, the second-ranking House Democrat, said in a statement that he is experiencing mild symptoms. He added that he will work and cast votes remotely while the House is in session this week.

“This afternoon, I tested positive for COVID-19, and I am experiencing mild symptoms. Thankfully, I am fully vaccinated and already received my booster shot,” Hoyer said.

Hoyer is the second member of House Democratic leadership in the past several weeks to test positive for the virus amid the surge in cases from the omicron variant, although caseloads in the Washington, D.C., region have begun declining in recent days.

House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-S.C.) also tested positive in December.

At least 54 House members, including Hoyer, have contracted breakthrough cases of COVID-19, along with 12 senators.

More than half of those cases have been since December from the omicron-fueled wave.

House Democratic leaders are still requiring lawmakers to wear masks in the chamber under penalty of fines and are urging members to avoid congregating during votes.

Two House Republicans have also tested positive for the virus in recent weeks: Rep. Thomas Massie (Ky.), who has openly said he is not vaccinated, and Rep. Daniel Webster (Fla.), who declined to disclose his vaccination status.