Sen. Mike Lee

The Smithsonian cannot build a new museum without federal legislation but both museums have bipartisan support. The law requires costs be covered by a 50/50 split between public and private dollars.

The legislation extending aid to unemployed, providing money for vaccine distribution and a round of $600 stimulus checks was attached to an annual government funding bill that tacked on other items.

In a move that infuriated supporters of museums to be dedicated to Latinos and women on the National Mall, the Republican senator blocked legislation Thursday that would lead to the creation of both.

The Senate Judiciary Committee held confirmation hearings for Judge Amy Coney Barrett, President Trump's Supreme Court nominee, this week.

Thursday was the fourth and final day hearings for President Trump's nominee. Next up in the process is the committee vote on Oct. 22.

Lee tested positive for coronavirus after a White House event for President Trump's Supreme Court nominee, Amy Coney Barrett. The Utah Republican returned for the Judiciary Committee hearing Monday.

Pence carried on with his usual schedule on Friday, even as a number of prominent Republicans revealed COVID-19 diagnoses on Friday.