PA Sen John Fetterman To Remain Hospitalized

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. John Fetterman's staff says that he is "doing well" and "on a path to recovery" while being hospitalized and treated for clinical depression. But in a brief update on the senator's condition issued late Monday, no timetable was given for his return to the Senate.

“We understand the intense interest in John’s status and especially appreciate the flood of well-wishes,” Fetterman communications director Joe Calvello said. “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 said Fetterman is visiting with staff and family daily and is regularly updated on Senate business and news.

Fetterman, who took office in January, checked himself into Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland on Feb. 15. He also was hospitalized a week earlier after becoming lightheaded at a Democratic Senate retreat.

Fetterman's health has been an issue since the former lieutenant governor suffered a near-fatal stroke while campaigning for the Senate last year.

While Fetterman has received support from both Democrats and Republicans in the Senate, there have been suggestions in Washington political circles that he perhaps should step down to focus on his health.

Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin, an Illinois Democrat, dismissed that idea Monday. He noted that during his tenure in the Senate, members have been gone for lengthy periods for health reasons.

"Let him get well, let his family feel he’s getting the best care. Those are the highest priorities," Durbin told Politico. “I wish that his critics would show a little bit of humanity.”