Democrats have lost their Senate majority for the time being.
This hospitalization is a serious problem for them.
A top Democrat’s medical emergency is threatening all their future plans.
Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) was hospitalized with shingles on Thursday.
“I was diagnosed over the February recess with a case of shingles. I have been hospitalized and am receiving treatment in San Francisco and expect to make a full recovery,” Feinstein, 89, said in a statement. “I hope to return to the Senate later this month.”
Since Sen. John Fetterman is also hospitalized the Democrats have temporarily lost their majority in the Senate, which is now evenly split 49-49. However, Vice President Kamala Harris is able to cast a tie-breaking vote when there’s an even split in the Senate.
“The danger of having such a small majority is that one or two illnesses can bring things to a halt. The administration has been aggressive and effective on judicial nominees, but that’s all on hold for now,” political strategist Doug Heye told Fox News Digital.
Though Feinstein has already announced that she won’t be seeking reelection when last month, her office put out a statement on Twitter.
“I am announcing today I will not run for reelection in 2024 but intend to accomplish as much for California as I can through the end of next year when my term ends,” Feinstein wrote on Twitter. “Even with a divided Congress, we can still pass bills that will improve lives.”
“Each of us was sent here to solve problems. That’s what I’ve done for the last 30 years, and that’s what I plan to do for the next two years,” she added. “My thanks to the people of California for allowing me to serve them.”
When she was afterwards asked by a reporter about her decision to retire, Feinstein appeared confused by the question.
“I haven’t made that decision,” she told reporters. “I haven’t released anything.”
One of her staffers told her that they “put out the statement.”
“You put out the statement?” she reportedly responded. “I didn’t know they put it out.”
“It is what it is,” she told reporters. “I think the time has come.”
The other Democrat in the hospital, John Fetterman, checked himself into an inpatient program two weeks ago, reportedly for severe depression.
“We don’t have a lot to update folks with since there’s no real news to report except that John is doing well, working with the wonderful doctors, and remains on a path to recovery,” Fetterman’s staff said in a new statement. “He is visiting with staff and family daily, and his staff are keeping him updated on Senate business and news.”
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