Chuck Schumer rushed to the hospital amid DC heatwave
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer was rushed to the hospital for dehydration as scorching temperatures in Washington, D.C., reach 100 degrees. The senator, 74, was at the Senate gym in the morning and reportedly 'got lightheaded,' according to his office.
The top Democrat was taken to the hospital 'out of an abundance of caution,' his office continued in a statement. He's now back to work at the Capitol after being treated for dehydration.
Over 170 million Americans are roasting under a giant heat dome that is sending temperatures over 100 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the eastern U.S. AccuWeather is calling this the first widespread heat wave of the year, with 25 states falling under this 'record-challenging' event.
The average age of government leaders has been highly scrutinized in recent months as members of Congress of both political parties have experienced health scares, with some dying in office. Former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, 83, fell back in February and was subsequently seen using a wheelchair. He also experienced a fall in December of 2024 which resulted in a sprained wrist.
Also back in December, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, 85, fell during a trip to Luxembourg, and subsequently underwent hip replacement surgery. Virginia Democrat Congressman Gerry Connolly died at the age of 75 last month, shortly after sharing that he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer.
Over the past 14 months, five other Democratic members of Congress also died while serving out their terms. Connolly's colleague Rep. Sylvester Turner (D-Texas) died at the age of 70 in March from unknown reasons. His passing came amid reports he was battling cancer in his jaw since before election in November 2024.
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