WASHINTON, D.C. -- Like many things in Washington, the debate over when to return to Capitol Hill is taking a partisan turn.

Many House Republicans are arguing it is time to come back, while many Democrats are voicing concerns about safety.

The Democratic-led House was initially set to return this week, but leaders quickly scrapped those plans, pointing to warnings from the Capitol physician about the potential health risk.

Since then, several Republicans have criticized the change of plans.

“I believe Congress needs to be in the session … We’re in the midst of a crisis that requires Congress’s full attention,” said Rep. Dan Bishop, R-9th District, in a video posted to Twitter. “We can be here safely and perform our duty.”

Many Democrats have raised concerns about the potential risk of exposure to the coronavirus that comes with being back in Washington, D.C.

The number of COVID-19 cases in the nation’s capital continues to rise. Plus, many lawmakers would have to fly or take public transportation to get to Capitol Hill, putting them in airports and other public spaces.

“I don’t think a macho attitude about this is very helpful. It’s not a matter of how courageous we are, or how much we want to go back to work,” said Rep. David Price, D-4th District. “We’re all working very hard and need to work very hard. The question is good common sense adherence to public health guidelines.”

The U.S. House of Representatives has taken steps to allow for social distancing while in session, including extending the length of time allotted for votes to allow for fewer people to be in the House chamber at one time.

Lawmakers have toyed with ideas on how to legislate remotely, but so far, no agreement has been struck.

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The Republican-led Senate returned this week, but Democrats there have complained that the upper chamber is focused on nominations rather than legislation responding to the pandemic.

After already approving trillions of dollars for the coronavirus response, Congress is weighing another aid package.

With lawmakers already divided over what should be included, a special procedural vote to approve the bill unanimously with only a few lawmakers in town will likely not work. That means many, if not most, lawmakers will likely need to return to Capitol Hill for a vote if and when a deal is struck.