CNN "CNN Newsroom" - Transcript: Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) Self-Quarantines & Discusses Lack of Coronavirus Tests

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My next guest is one of those lawmakers who is sitting in self- quarantine. Virginia Congressman Don Beyer put himself in quarantine after the Health Department said a person he had dinner with had tested positive for coronavirus shortly after their meal.

So, Congressman Beyer, thank you for being with me.

REP. DON BEYER (D-VA): Thank you.

BALDWIN: And how are you doing? How are you feeling?

BEYER: I am doing fine. But we're struggling to keep up with all the different news about the coronavirus. Right now, specifically about the testing capabilities.

Vice President Pence last week promised us a million tests by the end of last week and, as of yesterday morning, the head of CDC said we're only up to 75,000.

The president said something interesting last night that everybody who needs a test gets a test. But the dilemma is we need to test people who have been exposed that don't have symptoms yet. Those are the ones that are carriers in this community spread.

BALDWIN: So what's the story with you, Congressman? I mean I'm hearing you -- you say you feel fine but you're self-quarantining because you had dinner with someone who is sick. Have you been tested?

BEYER: No. We requested it a couple of days ago from the House physician and they said no because I wasn't symptomatic, not enough tests to use on me.

There's basically so few tests in play at the moment that they are only using it for people who are actively symptomatic. It's OK in the short run. Terrible strategy for the long run.

People who are home sick are not out spreading. The people who are contagious but not symptomatic are the disease spreader in our society.

BALDWIN: Talking to a sitting member of Congress, asymptomatic. The House is now working on a major coronavirus virus response bill. The Senate did just announce it will stay in session to work on legislation instead of going into recess next week. The bill would provide free testing, funding for food, funding for paid emergency leave.

How long, how long do you think that the American people will have to wait to see action from Congress?

BEYER: Well, definitely this month. If the House can get it done in the next two days, the Senate next week, definitely within the next 10 or 12 days, end of the month at the latest.

Even more importantly, when people know that we're committed to getting it done, they can rest a little more assured.

Because it's really important for all those people -- you know, the bottom quarter wage earners in our society don't have any health insurance. We don't want them feeling economically insecure so they feel they have to go to work sick to pay their bills and keep food on their table.

[14:55:00]

BALDWIN: Congressman Don Beyer, I wish you well. Stay healthy. Thank you so much.

BEYER: Thank you, Brooke. BALDWIN: More on the breaking developments. More schools are closing. More flights are being impacted. The state of New York just banned large gatherings of 500 people or more. And just in, Broadway officially cancelled its shows in the city.

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