More than 40 House Democrats signed a letter this week urging Vice President Pence to reconsider the administration’s enforcement of the “public charge” rule amid the coronavirus outbreak.

The rule, which critics have called a “wealth test” for immigrants, penalizes legal immigrants for using public assistance programs such as Medicaid. The Democratic lawmakers argued in their letter, spearheaded by Rep. Norma Torres Norma Judith TorresIt's past time to be rid of the legacy of Jesse Helms Hispanic Caucus asks for Department of Labor meeting on COVID in meatpacking plants The Hill's Campaign Report: Biden's latest plan on racial inequality MORE (D-Calif.), that the rule could make symptomatic immigrants who can’t afford private health care hesitant to seek government-funded medical assistance, increasing the risk of spreading the virus.

“Everyone should have access to testing and treatment for coronavirus. The 'public charge' rule, however, is a deterrent for symptomatic individuals to seek medical testing and treatment,” the letter read. “Individuals infected with coronavirus who are left untested and untreated will risk spreading the disease in our communities, potentially furthering the spread of coronavirus in the United States.”

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Last month, Torres delivered a similar letter to acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney Mick MulvaneyMick Mulvaney to start hedge fund Fauci says positive White House task force reports don't always match what he hears on the ground Bottom line MORE and acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad WolfChad WolfHillicon Valley: FBI chief says Russia is trying to interfere in election to undermine Biden | Treasury Dept. sanctions Iranian government-backed hackers Democrats slam DHS chief for defying subpoena for testimony on worldwide threats DHS IG won't investigate after watchdog said Wolf, Cuccinelli appointments violated law MORE during an all-member congressional briefing on the coronavirus.

The White House did not send an official response to that letter, according to Torres’s office.

Torres, a member of the New Democrat Coalition, has garnered support with signatures from a large portion of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus as well as both co-chairs of the Progressive Caucus: Reps. Pramila Jayapal Pramila JayapalDHS opens probe into allegations at Georgia ICE facility Progressive Caucus co-chair: Whistleblower complaint raises questions about 'entire detention system' Buttigieg, former officials added to Biden's transition team MORE (Wash.) and Mark Pocan Mark William PocanClark rolls out endorsements in assistant Speaker race Hillicon Valley: Pentagon reaffirms decision to award JEDI contract to Microsoft | Schiff asks officials for briefing on election security threats Democrats explore new ways to resurrect election security briefings MORE (Wis.).

“Trump’s public charge rule is deterring vulnerable immigrant communities from accessing care in the middle of a public health crisis,” Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.) said in a statement. “The Trump Administration should suspend this rule in its entirety and encourage all sick individuals—regardless of their immigration status—to come forward and receive health services to keep themselves and our communities safe.”

Since her first letter, the virus has spread throughout the U.S., with at least 761 confirmed cases and 27 deaths.

“Individuals with coronavirus who are untested may be your colleague who sits a few desks away, the cook preparing your food, the teacher to your children, or the home attendant who cares for your elderly parent,” the letter said. “At this critical time, the ‘public charge’ rule is a public health threat.”

--This report was updated at 2:01 p.m.