Texas Republican Rep. Louie Gohmert — who was scheduled to fly to the Lone Star State with President Trump on Wednesday — has tested positive for the coronavirus, according to a report.
The 66-year-old, who has been seen walking around the Capitol without a mask, found out about his infection after a pre-screen at the White House, several sources told Politico.
Gohmert, an eight-term incumbent, recently told CNN that he has not donned a face-covering because he was being tested regularly for the bug.
“[I]f I get it, you’ll never see me without a mask,” he told the network last month.
Gohmert attended Tuesday’s House Judiciary Committee hearing with Attorney General Bill Barr, according to Politico.
At one point, Chairman Jerry Nadler (D-NY) chided several Republicans for removing their masks, though Gohmert was not among those he reprimanded, the outlet reported.
Gohmert reportedly exchanged words with the AG within six feet, according to a reporter for The Hill.
“Rep. Gohmert, who was without a mask, stood outside the men’s bathroom where Barr went before he walked into the ‘hearing’ room. Once out, Gohmert approached the AG and exchanged a comment or two. Would say from memory, they were within arms length,” Olivia Beavers said in a tweet.
Several other members of Congress also have tested positive for the virus, including Reps. Mario Diaz Balart (R-Fla.), Neal Dunn (R-Fla.), Morgan Griffith (R-Va.), Mike Kelly (R-Pa.), Ben McAdams (D-Utah) and Tom Rice (R-S.C.).
Republican Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul also tested positive for the virus in March and later recovered.
