With millions of Americans risking their health and lives working “essential” jobs, Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) will keep the House of Representatives in recess next week, according to a statement Tuesday by House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) that cited the House physician. The decision comes after House Democrats reportedly expressed fear about returning to work. The Republican led Senate is scheduled to reconvene next week in solidairy with essential workers. President Trump has stayed at the White House for nearly two months (with one trip to Norfolk, VA, to see off the USNS Comfort) to lead the battle against the COVID-19 Chinese coronavirus, while Pelosi has bragged about eating her luxury ice cream collection while she stays at her San Francisco mansion.

The House has been in pro forma recess since late March, with the exception of a one day session last Thursday to vote on another financial relief package. As of Monday, the House was scheduled to return next week on May 4, the same day as the Senate returns. Politico reported that terrified House Democrats rebelled against the planned return:

…House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) made a similar announcement Monday afternoon on a caucus call with House Democrats. “Nancy and I have talked a couple of times today … We have decided we will come back on the 4th.” TRENDING: BREAKING: Senate Finance and Homeland Security Committees Release DEVASTATING Report on Hunter Biden, Burisma and Corruption -- CROOKED BIDEN FAMILY ENRICHED THEMSELVES AND OBAMA KNEW! But the announcement was met with almost sudden resistance, as several Democrats spoke up on the call, raising concerns about the safety of returning while many of their states remain on lockdown with strict social distancing in place. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) said returning next week would be “dangerous,” according to multiple Democrats on the call…

Hoyer said the change to keep the House in recess was made in consultation with the House physician and Members of the House.

“During my weekly press conference, I said that after hearing from our Members and consulting with the Speaker and the Attending Physician, the House will not reconvene next week. We will return once the CARES 2 package is ready.”

During my weekly press conference, I said that after hearing from our Members and consulting with the Speaker and the Attending Physician, the House will not reconvene next week. We will return once the CARES 2 package is ready. — Steny Hoyer (@LeaderHoyer) April 28, 2020

“I told reporters I continue to be focused on getting the people’s business done through remote work, and I will be holding a meeting on this today.”

I told reporters I continue to be focused on getting the people’s business done through remote work, and I will be holding a meeting on this today. — Steny Hoyer (@LeaderHoyer) April 28, 2020

House gives official notice members won't be required to return to Capitol next week amid virus concerns pic.twitter.com/HPrMILFhas — Nancy Ognanovich (@NOgnanovich) April 28, 2020

A spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) on Tuesday reiterated McConnell’s determination to return to work in solidarity with Americans who are working through the pandemic crisis.

The Leader's statement from yesterday stands. https://t.co/Vq1NBBzPh1 — David Popp (@davidpopp) April 28, 2020

“If it is essential for doctors, nurses, healthcare workers, truck drivers, grocery-store workers, and other brave Americans to keep carefully manning their duty stations, then it is essential for Senators to carefully man ours and support them. We are reconvening next week.”

McConnell press release from Monday: