Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC), the ranking member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, announced a brief medical leave of absence as he recovers from recent hip replacement surgery.
The announcement comes as the Senate reconvenes after a monthlong recess.
According to local news affiliate WRAL, Burr’s office released the following statement:
“As the Senate returns to Washington, I will unfortunately miss this week of votes as I am home in North Carolina recovering from hip replacement surgery. The procedure was successful, and I’m doing well.
“I’ll be closely monitoring votes during my absence and look forward to rejoining my colleagues in Congress next week.”
The Hill reported that Burr is “a key player in negotiations over FDA user fees, which lapse at the end of this month.”
Missing a vote could have significant ramifications in the 50-50 upper chamber where votes often fall along party lines.
Burr has announced that he will retire this year at the end of his term.
Republican Rep. Ted Budd is running against former state Supreme Court Chief Justice Cheri Beasley (D) in the November midterms to replace the retiring senator.
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