Mr. Fetterman, who suffered a near-fatal stroke in 2022 before running a successful Senate campaign, checked himself in Feb. 15 after struggling to adjust to life in Washington, the report said. He was hampered by the lingering effects of his stroke.
Mr. Fetterman has become an icon for mental health and its destigmatization, though it’s a role he likely does not cherish. Detractors have publicly questioned his suitability for office because of his diagnosis, the report said.
Since he checked himself in, Mr. Fetterman has co-sponsored a bipartisan bill aiming to prevent train derailment disasters, and sent a letter to the agriculture secretary urging the administration to help farmers concerned about chemical release around East Palestine, Ohio, the site of the recent train derailment. He has also opened new district offices across Pennsylvania and hired new staff, the report said.
Those close to him are now saying he’s showing signs of recovery, including a renewed sense of humor and increased sociability, the report said. His lead physician has “guaranteed” he would get back to his old self.
“No one in the Senate has seen [Mr. Fetterman] being himself,” his chief of staff Adam Jentleson told the Times. “That person is going to be a force of nature as a senator.”
