For more than the past year, Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) has missed among the most votes of any senator, rarely attended committee hearings, and become increasingly isolated from his colleagues amid reports of lingering mental health troubles.
The first-term Pennsylvania Democrat has missed 30 floor votes this year and had the third-worst attendance in 2024. It’s a record that’s under the spotlight due to concerns from current and former staffers laid out in media reports of Fetterman’s struggles with depression stemming from health complications after a 2022 stroke.
Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), the chief vote-counter for Democrats, was unaware of Fetterman’s voting record. He described having a “limited relationship” with Fetterman that does not extend far beyond cordial hallway greetings, an unusual dynamic between a party whip and his members.
Durbin noted Fetterman infrequently attends daily caucus lunches and rarely goes onto the floor because he declines to don proper attire. Fetterman typically wears his distinctive casual get-up of gym shorts, a hoodie, and sneakers, aside from rare occasions last year when he sported a suit and tie to preside over the floor when Democrats held the majority.
“John doesn’t spend much time on the floor, for obvious reasons. He’s chosen to dress in a manner that is inconsistent with Senate rules and [has made] limited appearances within the caucus,” Durbin said. “I’ve not developed a relationship with him, which I usually do.”
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Author: Marty Kaufmann
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