Republicans divided on how hard to push vaccines | TheHill

America is grappling with a resurgence in COVID-19 cases, but Republican lawmakers remain divided over whether to push millions of reluctant GOP voters to get vaccinated against the deadly virus. .

Barry LoudermilkBarry LoudermilkRepublicans divided on how hard to push vaccines House Republicans request hearing with Capitol Police Board for first time since 1945 Democrats seek to keep spotlight on Capitol siege MORE (R-Ga.) has tested positive for COVID-19 twice during the past year.

Ron DeSantisRon DeSantisOrlando newspaper knocks DeSantis for Texas trip amid spike in Florida COVID-19 cases Lawmakers introduce bipartisan Free Britney Act DeSantis downplays increase in COVID-19 cases MORE, a former House member often mentioned as a possible 2024 GOP presidential candidate, dismissed the uptick in cases in his home state, calling it a “seasonal virus” that will subside next month.

health officials can turn around that trend given the alarming spike in COVID-19 cases in recent days.

The delta variant now makes up 83 percent of all new cases in the United States, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Rochelle WalenskyRochelle WalenskyOvernight Health Care: Fauci clashes with Paul - again | New York reaches .1B settlement with opioid distributors | Delta variant accounts for 83 percent of US COVID-19 cases Major medical associations release PSA urging vaccination CDC director: Delta variant accounts for 83 percent of all COVID-19 cases in US MORE testified before the Senate on Tuesday.

The rise in delta cases has also led to a nearly 48 percent increase in COVID-19-related deaths, now at 239 per day, Walensky said.

The rate at which the highly contagious delta variant is spreading spurred at least one skeptical leading Republican to action.

House Minority Whip Steve ScaliseStephen (Steve) Joseph ScaliseScalise cites delta variant for decision to be vaccinated on Sunday Six takeaways: What the FEC reports tell us about the midterm elections Controversy equals cash for Greene, Gaetz MORE (R-La.) said he received his first Pfizer shot on Sunday, even though federal lawmakers have had access to the vaccine since December.

2 GOP leader told his local newspaper that “it was a good time to do it” after seeing the aggressiveness of the delta variant and a spike in new cases; he said he had tested positive for antibodies months ago and believed he had some immunity from the coronavirus. .

The Louisiana Republican credited former President TrumpDonald TrumpOn The Money: Schumer pressured from all sides on spending strategy | GOP hammers HUD chief over sluggish rental aid | Democrat proposes taxes on commercial space flights Overnight Health Care: Fauci clashes with Paul - again | New York reaches .1B settlement with opioid distributors | Delta variant accounts for 83 percent of US COVID-19 cases Overnight Defense: Military justice overhaul included in defense bill | Pentagon watchdog to review security of 'nuclear football' | Pentagon carries out first air strike in Somalia under Biden MORE’s Operation Warp Speed, which accelerated the development and manufacturing of COVID-19 vaccines, and knocked President BidenJoe BidenKentucky lawmaker faces scrutiny for comparing Fauci to Jonestown cult leader Omar leads lawmakers in calling for US envoy to combat Islamophobia Public charter schools group blasts proposed Democratic cut MORE and Vice President Harris for questioning during the 2020 campaign whether the vaccines were being rushed.

The nationwide surge in COVID-19 cases struck close to home for lawmakers this week.

6 probe MORE (D-Calif.) and a White House staffer tested positive for the coronavirus after coming in contact with a delegation of Texas Democratic state lawmakers who had fled their state in protest of GOP efforts to pass a stringent voting bill; six members of the delegation staying in the D.C.