Sen. Thad Cochran, R-Miss., will not return to Washington, D.C., on Monday as initially expected, but will stay at home in Mississippi due to continued health issues, his office said Monday.
Cochran’s chief of staff, Brad White, said in a statement the senator developed a urinary tract infection. Cochran’s doctors advised him to remain in his home state of Mississippi while he recovers.
“The senator has expressed his intention to return to the Senate when his health permits, and to fulfill his commitment and duties to the people of his state,” White said.
It’s unknown when Cochran, who chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee, will return to Washington.
The senator’s postponed return comes as the Senate is expected to vote on a 2018 budget resolution that will pave the way for tax reform. With 52 seats, Republicans hold a slim margin in the Senate, and with Cochran’s absence, GOP leaders can only afford having one Republican vote “no” if it hopes to pass the resolution.
