Democratic Party leader and longtime U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California was finally released from the hospital on Wednesday, her office announced.
Feinstein, 89, was rushed to the hospital after her body struggled to fight off a serious shingles infection that was first diagnosed in February.
She traveled to San Francisco for treatment and was hospitalized for a week. While she has been released from the hospital, Feinstein is still not well enough to return to the Senate.
She is the oldest member of Congress and turns 90 years old in June. Feinstein was one of three Democratic U.S. senators hospitalized recently.
Sen. Bob Casey, D-P.A., was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer and must undergo surgery in the next few months.
“Last month, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. While this news came as a shock, I can report that I have an excellent prognosis, as well as the benefit of exceptional medical care and the unwavering support of my family,” Casey said in a statement.
“I am confident that my recommended course of treatment will allow me to continue my service in the 118th Congress with minimal disruption, and I look forward to the work ahead.”
Casey’s Pennsylvania counterpart, Sen. John Fetterman, D-P.A., checked himself into the hospital weeks ago for depression over his suspected permanent brain damage from a near-fatal stroke in 2022.
He remains hospitalized and there is no timeline for the Pennsylvania Democrat’s recovery and return to the Senate. His office will only say that the newly elected Fetterman is “on his way to recovery.”
Feinstein, who took office in 1992, recently announced she would not seek reelection in 2024. The senator has faced questions in recent years about her fading cognitive health and memory, though she has claimed she is still an effective lawmaker.
I want to thank everyone for the well wishes and the hospital staff for providing excellent care. I’m recovering at home now while I continue receiving treatment and look forward to returning to the Senate as soon as possible.
— Senator Dianne Feinstein (@SenFeinstein) March 7, 2023