Newly-elected Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman, who swore and promised that he was totally fine and fit for duty even though his previous stroke caused a number of auditory processing issues, is back in the hospital for the second time this year.

According to Fox News, Fetterman was checked into a hospital for "severe" clinical depression. His spokesperson indicated that he's had depression his entire life, but only recent did it become severe.

Adam Jentleson, Fetterman's chief of staff, wrote, "While John has experienced depression off and on throughout his life, it only became severe in recent weeks."

He added: "On Monday, John was evaluated by Dr. Brian P. Monahan, the Attending Physician of the United States Congress. Yesterday, Dr. Monahan recommended inpatient care at Walter Reed. John agreed, and he is receiving treatment on a voluntary basis."

Possible long stay

There were conflicting early reports on whether or not Fetterman is expected to receive long-term treatment. His office's statement seem to indicate that the senator would be back on his feet soon enough.

"After examining John, the doctors at Walter Reed told us that John is getting the care he needs, and will soon be back to himself."

However, CNN congressional correspondent Manu Raju reported this week that Fetterman could be receiving treatment for a much longer time period than originally indicated.

"Unclear how long Fetterman will stay in hospital, I’m told. Could be a month, maybe shorter,' Raju tweeted. "Will take time for him to get right medication, per source. His symptoms were weight loss and lack of appetite, the latter of which contributed to lightheadedness last week, per source."

Unclear how long Fetterman will stay in hospital, I’m told. Could be a month, maybe shorter. Will take time for him to get right medication, per source. His symptoms were weight loss and lack of appetite, the latter of which contributed to lightheadedness last week, per source

— Manu Raju (@mkraju) February 17, 2023

Resign or not?

Some people wondered whether or not the condition, depending on its severity, would finally convince Fetterman that he should be taking care of himself. Others demanded that he resign, continuing claims that he was never fit for office to begin with.

"Amid some speculation about his future, Fetterman will not resign his office because of this illness, per source," Raju added in another tweet.

He noted: "There have been numerous examples of senators who have been sidelined over the years for a much longer time period, and this is no different, the source added."

That might be true, but in this particular situation, millions of Americans were never comfortable with Fetterman as a senator to begin with, and it was never a personal attack. It was simply a compassionate observation.

Only time will tell if Fetterman is able to stay in Congress.