Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin Undergoes Successful Hip Replacement Surgery

Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), 79, successfully underwent hip replacement surgery on Wednesday and will be staying in Illinois as he recovers. Durbin, the second-highest-ranking Democrat in the Senate, will return to Washington once he receives medical clearance to travel, according to a statement from his office.

"Today, I had a routine hip replacement surgery in Chicago. I’m grateful to the medical staff at RUSH for today’s successful procedure, and I look forward to a speedy recovery and climbing the Capitol steps again as soon as possible," Durbin stated. He has served in office since 1997.

The procedure was performed on his left hip at RUSH Oak Brook Surgery Center in Illinois. This follows a knee replacement surgery he underwent in October 2023 at the same hospital. Durbin has a history of medical procedures, including an outpatient heart procedure in 2017 and a noncancerous tumor removal from his stomach in 2010.

The Senate is currently in recess, with members expected to return after the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

Why This Matters: Senator Durbin's health is significant due to his crucial role in legislative processes as the Senate Majority Whip. His recovery and return to Washington are essential for the smooth functioning of the Senate, especially with critical legislative sessions upcoming.

Key Takeaways:

• Senator Durbin, 79, successfully underwent hip replacement surgery.
• He will remain in Illinois during his recovery period.
• Durbin's return to Washington is contingent on his doctor’s clearance.
• The surgery was conducted at RUSH Oak Brook Surgery Center in Illinois.
• Durbin has a history of other medical procedures, including knee replacement and heart surgery.