Sen. Patrick Leahy undergoes second surgery after breaking hip

Senate President Pro Tempore Patrick Leahy has gone under the knife a second time and remains in recovery after breaking his hip in a fall at his Virginia home last month, his office confirmed Wednesday.

Leahy (D-Vt.), 82, who follows only Vice President Kamala Harris and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) in the presidential line of succession, underwent an initial hip repair and replacement surgery June 30 after taking a tumble the day before.

On Tuesday, Leahy’s office said the Democrat’s doctors “found it necessary to perform an additional surgery to help advance his recovery.” 

“Senator Leahy was back in his rehabilitation room by Tuesday evening and is once again working diligently with the physical therapists to return home as soon as possible,” the statement concluded. “Senator Leahy and Marcelle deeply appreciate the continued messages of support and affection that have been offered to them during his recovery.”

At the time of the fall, Leahy’s office blamed a “lifelong struggle with reduced depth perception” due to the senator being born blind in one eye.

Initially, communications director David Carle said the surgery was only meant to repair Leahy’s hip. However, Wednesday’s statement revealed that the senator’s hip was ultimately replaced. 

Leahy’s office has insisted he is “expected to make a full recovery” and complete his term before heading off into retirement.

Leahy first announced his plans to leave office last November. He was first elected to the Senate in 1974. 

With the Senate split 50-50, Leahy’s absence could make it difficult for Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) to pass legislation under reconciliation rules, which would require the support of the entire Democratic conference.