Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) is back to work at the U.S. Capitol after being treated for clinical depression.
On Wednesday, Fetterman kicked off a hearing of the Subcommittee on Food and Nutrition, Specialty Crops, Organics, and Research.
He began, “I call to this hearing the U.S. Senate Subcommittee and Food and Nutrition, Speciality Crops, Organics, and Research to order.”
“Chairwoman Stabenow… and… Ranking Member Boozman, thank you so much for coming,” the senator said, adding, “Thank you so for coming. I thank you for your leadership on this committee.”
He continued through his statements at a slow pace and occasionally tripped over his words.
Watch the video below:
John Fetterman is back today as a Senate subcommittee chair, listen to his opening statement.
— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) April 19, 2023
pic.twitter.com/t8ke3nnhkm
Fetterman, who suffered a stroke last year, has faced lingering struggles with his speech and hearing. He has relied on closed captioning technology to assist him in his interactions with others.
Several conservative Twitter users expressed discomfort watching the senator as he pressed through his statement.
“Oh my gosh. This is so uncomfortable to watch,” tweeted conservative commentator Ginny Robinson.
https://twitter.com/realginnyrobins/status/1648745482267549706
Another wrote, “Remember when they scolded you for criticizing a man with a “disability” during his campaign? Well—here he is attempting to do his job after coming back from a 2 month vacation…”
Remember when they scolded you for criticizing a man with a “disability” during his campaign?
— Breanna Morello (@BreannaMorello) April 19, 2023
Well—here he is attempting to do his job after coming back from a 2 month vacation… https://t.co/QZnlQRDtDs
Curtis Houck, the managing editor of NewsBusters, tweeted, “Great job, everyone. Elections — primaries and the general — have consequences.”
Great job, everyone. Elections — primaries and the general — have consequences. https://t.co/m6z87bvUH7
— Curtis Houck (@CurtisHouck) April 19, 2023
Conservative radio host Joe Pagliarulo tweeted, “It’s like a really bad movie at this point.”
it's like a really bad movie at this point. https://t.co/0Z6Ub8nX6L
— Joe Pags Pagliarulo (@JoeTalkShow) April 19, 2023
The video comes days after Fetterman returned to the Capitol after he received treatment for clinical depression, IJR reported.
When reporters tried to ask him questions, the senator simply responded, “Great to be back!”
