Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) has been released from Johns Hopkins Hospital and will spend several weeks at a rehabilitation facility as he recovers from a stroke, his office said Friday.
Murphy will be absent from the Senate for "the next several weeks of votes" while he recuperates, according to his statement. The Connecticut Democrat disclosed that he suffered a "small" stroke after falling ill last Saturday; his office announced the medical emergency the following day. The senator's hospitalization was first reported by this outlet.
"The doctors are very encouraged by the progress I've made so far," Murphy said. He added, "This has been a scary experience for me and my family, and I appreciate the continued respect for our privacy."
Dr. Jose Suarez, chief of neurosciences critical care at Johns Hopkins Hospital, said in the statement that Murphy suffered a small hemorrhagic stroke but is expected to make a full recovery. "He has shown tremendous progress, and at the current rate of improvement, we expect that he will make a full recovery following rehabilitation," Suarez said.
Murphy, seen as a rising star in the Democratic Party and a potential 2028 presidential contender, said he remains engaged with his team and colleagues remotely. "As I'm working towards a full recovery, I am staying engaged with my team and colleagues remotely, and my staff continues to carry out our legislative priorities, serve constituents, and ensure the work of my office continues uninterrupted," he said. He also thanked the doctors and staff at Johns Hopkins for their care.
Members of Congress are not obligated to disclose medical events that impair their official duties, and many opt to keep such information private until they have recovered. Murphy is at least the third Democratic senator in recent years to reveal a stroke, joining Sens. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.).
Murphy's absence comes as the Senate faces a busy legislative calendar, including spending negotiations and judicial confirmations. His office has not provided a specific date for his return, but the rehabilitation period is expected to last several weeks.
Murphy's health scare has drawn attention to the broader issue of transparency regarding lawmakers' medical conditions. While some advocate for mandatory disclosure, others argue that privacy is paramount during recovery. The incident also underscores the physical demands of the job and the potential impact on legislative business when a senator is sidelined.
As Murphy focuses on his recovery, his staff will continue to handle constituent services and legislative work. Colleagues from both parties have expressed support for his swift recovery. The Senate is expected to proceed with its schedule, adjusting for his absence as needed.
