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Kentucky Congressman tests positive for COVID-19

U.S. Rep. Brett Guthrie interviews inside the studios of WKU Public Radio.
Lisa Autry
U.S. Rep. Brett Guthrie interviews inside the studios of WKU Public Radio.

Republican U.S. Rep. Brett Guthrie of Bowling Green says he has tested positive for COVID-19 but doesn't feel very ill.

“Out of an abundance of caution, I took a COVID-19 test, and it came back positive today," Guthrie stated in a news release issued Wednesday. "I am glad I decided to get fully vaccinated, and I am experiencing mild symptoms.

Guthrie, who was elected from Kentucky’s 2nd District in 2008, said his offices in the district and in Washington remain open.

Guthrie is the Republican Leader of the Energy and Commerce Committee’s Health Subcommittee, which had oversight of the COVID-19 vaccines' development. He's a staunch advocate for their safety and efficacy, but has fought efforts to make the vaccines mandatory.

"It is unfortunate that President Biden has resorted to overreaching mandates and the fear of losing livelihoods to vaccinate Americans," Guthrie said in a statement last month. "Further, I am concerned about the impact of these mandates on our military readiness, supply chains, businesses, and the health care workforce. I will continue to fight against these unfair vaccine mandates."

Guthrie co-sponsored a Congressional Review Act resolution to nullify President Biden’s vaccine mandates on businesses. The bill would strike down the vaccine mandate on private businesses with 100 or more employees.  The GOP lawmaker also co-sponsored the Fairness for Federal Contractors Act of 2021 to shield employees of federal contractors from federal vaccine mandates.

Federal courts this month blocked vaccine mandates for federal contractors and healthcare workers.

Lisa is a Scottsville native and WKU alum. She has worked in radio as a news reporter and anchor for 18 years. Prior to joining WKU Public Radio, she most recently worked at WHAS in Louisville and WLAC in Nashville. She has received numerous awards from the Associated Press, including Best Reporter in Kentucky. Many of her stories have been heard on NPR.
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