Another Texas Democrat has tested positive for COVID-19 in the nation's capital - this time, Austin-area state Rep. Donna Howard.
That brings the total number of positive COVID-19 cases within the Texas House Democratic Caucus to six, as members continue to try and run out the clock on a special session.
Howard, a former critical care nurse, said in a statement that she received a positive rapid test result on Monday, but is "basically asymptomatic" and intends to isolate herself.
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"Despite following CDC guidelines and being fully vaccinated, I tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday," Howard said in a statement. "The delta variant seems to be much more contagious, even for those vaccinated, than initially thought. Thankfully, I’m vaccinated and feeling well. But this variant is hitting the unvaccinated with severe illness and hospitalizations, particularly impacting those under 65. Vaccines work. Everyone, please get vaccinated and protect yourselves."
The caucus itself is not publicly identifying any of the members, but Howard and two others - State Reps. Celia Israel (D-Austin) and Trey Martinez Fischer (D-San Antonio) - have made public statements of their own identifying themselves. Both have said they experienced mild symptoms and are isolating away from others.
In addition to the Texas Democrats, an aide to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and a White House official have also tested positive for COVID-19. Pelosi spokesman Drew Hammill said the entire press office was working remotely Tuesday, while the White House said contact tracing had shown no close contacts between the official and other White House staffers.
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According to the caucus, all of the members in Washington have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19, and daily rapid testing will continue.
While in Washington, many of the Texas Democrats have been staying in the same hotel, and meeting with a number of federal leaders - including Vice President Kamala Harris.