Feinstein, Fetterman Hospitalizations May Mean Trouble for Democrats

Senate Democrats are now in a tight spot after Senator Dianne Feinstein (D.Calif.), announced that she had shingles and was being treated by Sen. John Fetterman (D.Penn.). Continued treatment for depression.

Feinstein (89) said on Thursday that she had been hospitalized for the virus. She won’t be returning until then “later this month,” Fetterman (53), was taken to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center last month for clinical depression. Fetterman’s release date is unknown.

The votes of two other senators were not cast this week, Sen. Jeff Merkley and Sen. Mike Crapo (R.Idaho). Merkeley claimed in a statement that the Senator was visiting Oregon to discuss a matter. “family matter,” Crapo could be suffering from an illness.

Because of absences this week, the Senate is deadlocked at 48–48, forcing Vice President Kamala Harris to cast tie-breaking votes for Democrats. When Crapo and Merkley return, the Senate will be tied at 49–49.

Some analysts believe that Democrats might have trouble confirming the nominees of President Joe Biden because they don’t have a timetable for Fetterman and Feinstein’s return to Senate.

This week, the Senate voted 49–48 in favor of one of Biden’s judicial picks, Margaret Guzman, and also voted 49–48 to confirm Araceli Martinez-Olguin to serve as a federal judge in the Northern District of California.

“Slim majorities are always challenging, but especially so in today’s Senate,” Sarah Binder is a political science professor at George Washington University’s Columbian College of Arts and Science. told Newsweek Thursday “There are not many legislative measures on tap in the Senate, but Democrats will feel the pinch of a tied Senate whenever they try to confirm a controversial nominee.”

“In those cases, Democrats will need Vice President Harris back in the chair to break a tied vote to cut off debate on a confirmation vote,” Binder has been added. “That might slightly slow down Democrats and encourage them to focus on nominees who have some support from across the aisle.”

Fox News strategist Doug Heye stated that in an interview, he said: “the danger of having such a small majority is that one or two illnesses can bring things to a halt,” Noting the White House “has been aggressive and effective on judicial nominees, but that’s all on hold for now.”

No Return

Senator Feinstein is the oldest senator. “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. I hope to return to the Senate later this month.” Shingles, a viral infection, can cause a rash lasting up to 4 weeks.

The long-time Democrat announced last month that she will not seek reelection to the seat she has held since 1990. Several Democrats lawmakers including Reps. Adam Schiff, D-Calif. and Katie Porter, D-Calif. have made bids for the seat.

Fetterman’s return date is even more uncertain. Days before he was hospitalized for depression, Fetterman sought medical attention after feeling lightheaded—coming just months after he suffered a stroke while on the campaign trail.

Joe Calvello, Fetterman’s spokesperson, issued Monday’s statement. statement Saying that he’s on a “path to recovery.”

“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,” He stated. “He is visiting with staff and family daily, and his staff are keeping him updated on Senate business and news.”

“We understand the intense interest in John’s status and especially appreciate the flood of well-wishes. However, as we have said this will be a weeks-long process and while we will be sure to keep folks updated as it progresses, this is all there is to give by way of an update,” Calvello added.

Before his latest stay in the hospital, Fetterman voted in the Senate to confirm three judicial nominees, including Gina R. Méndez-Miró of Puerto Rico to be a U.S. District Judge for the District of Puerto Rico; Lindsay C. Jenkins of Illinois to be a U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of Illinois; and Matthew L. Garcia of New Mexico to be a U.S. District Judge for the District of New Mexico.