Dem senator hospitalized as razor-thin vote looms on GOP bid to claw back $9.4B

A Democratic senator was hospitalized after falling ill Wednesday, dealing a potential blow to Democrats hoping to stymie GOP efforts to claw back $9.4 billion$9.4 billion in funding previously approved for spending, including large cuts to foreign aid and funding for PBS and NPR.

Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN) will remain hospitalized until Thursday for observation, her office said in a statement.

“While at work at the Capitol today, Sen. Smith started to not feel well. She went to the Capitol physician who recommended she undergo more thorough examination at GW hospital,” the statement read. “Out of an abundance of caution, they are keeping her overnight for observation. She expects to be back at work very soon.”

While Republicans such as Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS) have said Vice President JD Vance will be called in to break a tie on "vote-a-rama" legislation, Smith's absence could mean the GOP won't need Vance's vote.

Republicans advanced the rescissions package in the Senate by the narrowest possible margin, with Vance casting tie-breaking votes twice to break a 50-50 deadlock on the procedural motions. Three Republican senators — Mitch McConnell (KY), Lisa Murkowski (AK), and Susan Collins (ME) — joined Democrats in opposition.