Pennsylvania congressman confirms breakthrough COVID-19 case hours after appearing on House floor
Representative Glenn "GT" Thompson, who is vaccinated, has tested positive for COVID-19, his office confirmed Friday. The Pennsylvania Republican had voted on the House floor earlier Friday, according to House records.
"Congressman Thompson on Friday afternoon began experiencing cold-like symptoms and was promptly tested for COVID-19," the tweet read. "While he is vaccinated, the test came back positive."
He was taken to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center "out of an abundance of caution," his office said. "He is in good spirits and further updates will be made available in the coming days."
Just hours before testing positive, Thompson was on the floor for a vote on the PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act, House records show.
On Wednesday, Thompson tweeted that he would be speaking on the House floor later in the day.
"Shortly, I'll be speaking on the #Housefloor celebrating #NationalForestProductsWeek and highlighting the Allegheny National Forest in #PA15," he wrote. "The one and only national forest in Pennsylvania!"
The House Agriculture Committee Republicans, which Thompson leads, posted a video of his speech from the floor on its Facebook page on Wednesday. He is not wearing a face mask in the video.
Republican Leader Thompson Recognizes National Forest Products WeekHouse Ag GOP is committed to policies that promote natural solutions to keep our forests healthy and strong. Through legislation like Rep. Doug LaMalfa's RESTORE Act and Rep. Dusty Johnson's FIRE Act, we can improve forest management and restoration projects for healthier, more resilient forests. #NationalForestProductsWeek 📺 👇
Posted by House Ag GOP on Wednesday, October 20, 2021
Thompson joins a growing list of lawmakers who have reported breakthrough COVID-19 cases. Representative Tim Ryan tested positive just last month.
Though being vaccinated significantly reduces a person's chances of contracting the virus, some breakthrough infections are expected, according to the CDC. Research has shown that those with breakthrough infections are much less likely to be hospitalized or die from the virus.
Victoria Albert contributed to this report.