Democratic Vermont Sen. Patrick Leahy was hospitalized Thursday night after “not feeling well,” his office announced.
Leahy, the longest-serving upper chamber Democrat and president pro tempore of the Senate, will retire at the end of the 117th Congress. He has served in the Senate since 1975 and is the third-longest serving senator in U.S. history. The 82-year-old Leahy has been hospitalized four times in the current congressional term, including twice for hip replacement surgeries.
“Senator Leahy was not feeling well and was taken to a Washington area hospital for tests, as a precaution. He had been at their residence in McLean, Virginia, at the time. At the recommendation of his doctors, he is expected to remain overnight for observation. As is our practice, we will offer updates as warranted,” communications director David Carle said in a statement.
Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy is being hospitalized overnight; the 82-year-old Democrat had a long recovery after two hip surgeries earlier this year pic.twitter.com/ygsnkuhVfG
— Ian Pickus (@IanPickus) October 14, 2022
The 117th Senate is the oldest in American history, with five members over the age of 80 and 23 members over the age of 70. In addition to Leahy, Democratic Sens. Chris Van Hollen and Ben Ray Lujan have missed votes for an extended period of time due to health issues. (RELATED: Democrat Says He Wants To Prevent ‘Geriatric’ Politicians Like Joe Biden From Running Again)
Leahy’s office did not immediately respond to the Daily Caller’s request for comment on whether or not he remains hospitalized.
Some elected Democrats have begun expressing concern about the ages of leading members of the party. President Joe Biden will turn 80 in November, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi is 82, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is 71.
“I think the country would be well-served by a new generation of compelling, well-prepared, dynamic Democrats to step up,” Minnesota Rep. Dean Phillips said in July.
“I’ve been very clear. I’d like to see a generational change,” Ohio Rep. Tim Ryan said during a Senate debate.