Overview

• Sen. Tina Smith was admitted to George Washington University Hospital for overnight observation after feeling unwell at the Capitol physician’s recommendation during the Senate vote-a-rama.
• She expects to resume her Senate duties very soon, her staff said.
• Her temporary absence gives Republicans a seven-vote advantage on the $9 billion rescissions package and makes a vice presidential tie-breaker unlikely.
• The vote-a-rama is part of the budget reconciliation process requiring full Democratic attendance to advance successive amendments to the rescissions package.
• Smith, 67, has no known health issues beyond a history of depression and announced in February that she will not seek reelection in 2026.