Vermont Sen. Patrick Leahy Hospitalized, Undergoing Tests After ‘Not Feeling Well’

Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) speaks at Capitol Hill on Feb. 12, 2019. Mark Wilson/Getty Images

Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) was hospitalized “as a precaution” in Washington Thursday after “not feeling well,” his office said.

Leahy, 82, had been at his residence in McLean, Virginia, when he started feeling unwell and was subsequently taken to a Washington-area hospital to undergo tests, according to a statement from his office.

His office did not specify what tests the lawmaker underwent.

“At the recommendation of his doctors, he is expected to remain overnight for observation,” the statement read. His office said they will provide further updates on the matter as warranted.

Leahy is the Senate president pro tempore; a title that is typically given to the longest-serving member of the majority party, and authorizes them to preside over the Senate, sign legislation, and issue the oath to uphold the Constitution to new senators.

He is the third in the line of presidential succession, behind House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.).

The Democrat was first elected in 1974 as a so-called “Watergate Baby” which saw a surge of Democrats elected following the revelations surrounding the Watergate scandal under President Richard Nixon.

Health Woes

Leahy announced last year that he will not be seeking reelection in November and instead retiring. By the time his term expires in January 2023, he would have served for 48 years in the Senate.

This is not the first time that Leahy, who was born blind in one eye, has faced battles with his health.

In January 2021, the lawmaker was rushed to a hospital just hours after he had begun presiding over the second impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump.

At the time, his office said that he had been feeling well and was examined in the Capitol by the Attending Physician before being taken to the hospital. He was sent home shortly after.

In that instance, his office again did not specify the nature of his condition or what tests the lawmaker underwent.

Earlier this year in June, the lawmaker fell down some stairs at his McLean home and was subsequently forced to undergo a hip replacement. Just a month later, he had to have another surgery to repair his broken hip after doctors decided a second operation would help speed up his recovery.

Leahy had been using a wheelchair to get around the Capitol for some time following his surgeries but was walking around the Senate hallways in September.

The Senate is now in recess until after the midterm elections in November.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.