Congress returns amid push to conduct America's business but also with many health safety concerns

Congress’ 500-plus members, along with hundreds of staffers and support workers, will return to Washington next week in response to strong calls to conduct America’s business but also amid lingering concerns about whether adequate health-safety precautions for the coronavirus have been implemented during their extended break.

The announcements came Monday from Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer.

McConnell said his chamber will “modify” the way it operates upon members return Monday, in accordance with the guidelines of the Capitol physician.

“It doesn’t make sense for the Senate to sit on the sidelines while a lot of other people are going to work everyday and trying to get us through this,” the Kentucky Republican told Politico.

Hoyer, the House’s No. 2 Democrat, said voting will take place in small groups and committees will convene in larger rooms to allow members to maintain social distancing guidelines. 

However, members, staffers and others are raising several concerns, as they prepare to return full time to Capitol Hill after roughly five weeks away, with no remote-voting options in place since their departure. 

Among many members’ concerns is their weekly flights amid the pandemic.

In addition they and others on Capitol Hill are concerned about whether Republicans will wear a mask, after some did not during their brief return to the Hill last week to pass an emergency spending bill; will the hundreds of visitors to the complex each day receive additional screening; and are health-safety precautions in place for cafeterias and snack shops under the dome and in the complex's numerous office buildings.

Key issues facing members upon their return will be whether to pass another emergency spending package. 

McConnell has reportedly expressed a willingness to help states, specifically those that had financial problems before the pandemic, but not without clear restrictions on spending the money.

He has made clear that he wants to get back to his signature activity of confirming judges.