It was revealed last month that Sen. Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) is at home recuperating from a “urological issue,” and Republican lawmakers are growing more concerned that he won’t return to Washington in time to oversee an Appropriations Committee markup next week.
In a statement released by his office in late September, Cochran assured “I will return to the Senate on October 16 in order to continue work on the appropriations process and participate in upcoming debates on the budget and tax reform.”
I appreciate the kind thoughts and support from so many people, and look forward to returning to the Senate on Oct. 16. pic.twitter.com/y8xw4QsY0s
— Senator Thad Cochran (@SenThadCochran) September 28, 2017
However, several sources close to the 79-year-old senator told Politico that he’s unlikely to return next week, and there’s “increasing worry his absence could stretch through the end of the year.”
If that’s true, it could pose a problem for Republican leadership. As chair of the Appropriations committee, Cochran plays a pivotal role in government funding – and the mid-December deadline to keep the government open is right around the corner. Worse, Cochran’s absence could thwart efforts by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to pass budget and tax reform legislation, as it only takes three senators who are absent or opposed to legislation to sink a given measure.
Cochran is getting up there in age. When you’re close to 80-years-old, even minor medial issues can cause significant health problems. Let’s hope Cochran is getting plenty of bed rest and will be able to return to Congress as soon as possible.
We need Sen. Thad Cochran in Washington to keep things running smoothly! Share this if you’re praying for his health and return!
