House Republicans object to cancellation of May 4 return date

Top House Republicans are objecting to the decision by the leaders of the Democrat-controlled chamber to keep the House closed indefinitely during the coronavirus, as much of the rest of the country, include state governments, take steps to reopen.

“I think the American people deserve leaders who work day in day out for them,” House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy told Fox News on Tuesday, hours after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the House would remain close, reversing an announced decision Monday to bring members back to Capitol Hill. 

“The Democrats have no plan, whether it’s to hold communist China accountable, or to reconvene Congress itself,” McCarthy, a California Republican, also said. 

Pelosi and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said the change in plans followed guidance of the Capitol physician, amid the region's still increasing virus-infection rates.

McCarthy said he also sent a letter to the House Democratic leadership suggesting ways of working that would allow the chamber to safely reconvene during the pandemic.

As the Republican leader of the chamber, he is recommending bringing back only committees that are working on bills pertinent to crisis relief and the continued ability of Congress to govern. 

A bipartisan task force for the House will continue to negotiate ways for the lower chamber to function remotely. And the Senate is scheduled to return to Capitol Hill on Monday, at the request of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

President Trump as weighed in on the House's plan to continue their already extended recess.

"The Democrats, they don't want to come, they're enjoying their vacation," he said. "I think they should be here."