US Congress Rejects Trump's Proposal for Rapid Diagnostic Kits

[Asia Economy International Department Reporter] The leadership of the U.S. Senate and House rejected President Donald Trump's proposal to use rapid diagnostic test kits for the swift return of Congress.

According to Politico on the 2nd (local time), Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell issued an unusual joint statement rejecting the U.S. administration's offer to send 1,000 test kits in time for the Senate's return.

The two floor leaders said, "Congress appreciates the administration's offer to provide rapid COVID-19 test kits, but we respectfully decline," adding, "Our nation's testing capacity continues to expand nationwide, and Congress wants testing resources to continue to be sent to frontline facilities that can use them most quickly and effectively."

This statement came as the Trump administration urged a 'safe' return to Congress, which had been suspended due to the impact of COVID-19.

President Trump also emphasized on Twitter that "Congress has sufficient COVID-19 testing capacity" and urged the House to return promptly following the Senate. After Pelosi and McConnell's statement, he expressed discomfort by writing, "There is no reason to refuse except for political (reasons)."

Despite Washington DC not yet reaching the peak of the coronavirus, the Senate is scheduled to return to Congress on Monday. Leader McConnell insists on opening the Senate to proceed with schedules such as confirmation hearings for public officials and claims that the Senate can operate safely as long as preventive measures are followed. The Democratic-led House initially considered returning next week but postponed the session after discussions.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.