Tina Smith hospitalized overnight for observation amid rescissions vote-a-rama

Sen. Tina Smith (D-Minn.) was hospitalized Wednesday, likely putting Democrats down a vote during the vote-a-rama on the rescissions package that is expected to last into the evening. 

Smith's staff revealed on social media that the 67-year-old senator felt unwell while at the Capitol earlier Wednesday and subsequently went to George Washington University Hospital for treatment and is expected to be held for observation overnight.

“While at work at the Capitol today, Sen. Smith started to not feel well,” according to the post. “She went to the Capitol physician who recommended she undergo more thorough examination at GW hospital.”

“Out of an abundance of caution, they are keeping her overnight for observation,” the post continued. “She expects to be back at work very soon.”

Her absence means that Democrats likely will not be at full attendance throughout the vote-a-rama. It also means Vice President Vance is unlikely to be needed to break a tie on the proposal, having been forced to do so Tuesday night on a procedural vote to advance to the vote-a-rama.

Smith announced earlier this year she would not run for reelection in 2026.