Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) revealed on Thursday that she was admitted to the hospital for treatment of shingles.
"I was diagnosed over the February recess with a case of shingles. I have been hospitalized and am receiving treatment in San Francisco and expect to make a full recovery. I hope to return to the Senate later this month," Feinstein confirmed.
The aging senator has already announced plans to give up her long-held seat in the upper chamber in time for the next election as concerns for her health grow.
Feinstein has been notably absent within recent months, missing a number of votes and committee hearings as her health deteriorates.
The news of her hospitalization -- in conjunction with another prominent hospitalization, that of Sen. John Fetterman's (D-PA) and other temporary absences -- brings the technically Dem-controlled Senate to a deadlock.
Vice President Kamala Harris will act as the tie-breaker until the missing senators return.