Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN) will be hospitalized overnight for observation at George Washington University Hospital after she became unwell while working at the Capitol.
Smith, 67, has no known health problems other than a history of depression. Her absence from the Senate on Wednesday will give Republicans a temporary seven-vote advantage as Congress considers changes to the $9 billion rescissions bill.
“While at work at the Capitol today, Sen. Smith started to not feel well,” Smith’s staff posted in a note on X. “She went to the Capitol physician, who recommended she undergo more thorough examination at GW hospital. Out of an abundance of caution, they are keeping her overnight for observation. She expects to be back at work very soon.”
Smith’s absence makes it less likely Republicans will need Vice President JD Vance to break a tie. He’s scheduled to return to Washington, D.C., after his trip to Pennsylvania.
MIKE LEE CONFRONTED BY MINNESOTA COLLEAGUES FOR POSTS ON POLITICAL SHOOTINGS
The Minnesota senator said in February that she would not seek reelection in 2026, citing a need to spend more time with her family. “This decision is not political, it’s entirely personal, but it’s not lost on me that our country is in need of strong progressive leadership right now, maybe more than ever,” Smith said then. Her term ends in January 2027.
Senate Minority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY), 74, was hospitalized with a brief bout of dehydration on June 25 “out of an abundance of caution” after he felt lightheaded at the gym.
