Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) made a casual return to the Capitol this week following a prolonged absence for clinical depression. The first-year senator sported sneakers, gym shorts, and a sweatshirt hoodie on Monday when he arrived at the Senate for the first time since February.
Fetterman's return is a boost to Democrats who have struggled to secure enough votes in the 51-49 split upper chamber, but their majority remains on shaky ground with Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), 89, out for nearly two months for shingles. Republicans this week blocked an attempt to temporarily replace her on the powerful Senate Judiciary Committee, scuttling the advancement of President Joe Biden's judicial nominees.
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Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) also returned to the Senate following treatment for a concussion and rib fracture following a fall in a Washington hotel. McConnell, 81, arrived just in time for a debt limit showdown largely between Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) over GOP demands to cut spending.
McCarthy led House Republicans in unveiling their debt proposal on Wednesday. It calls for raising the nation’s debt limit by $1.5 trillion in exchange for new spending caps and work requirements for food stamp recipients and others receiving federal aid — which the White House doesn't want.
The House GOP also passed legislation to ban biologically male athletes from participating in women's sports and celebrated 100 days of Republican control of the House.
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Here's a look at scenes from the week in Washington. The photos were captured by Washington Examiner photographer Graeme Jennings during the week of April 17, 2023.
Fetterman wears gym clothes during his long-awaited return to work
McConnell holds first Senate press conference after suffering concussion
McCarthy celebrates 100 days of GOP control of the House
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas gets an earful from GOP and grieving families about border crisis
House Republicans pass legislation to bar biologically male athletes from competing in women's sports
Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas battles ethics concerns over undisclosed trips with GOP donor