NBC News reported that 90-year-old California Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein had to be hospitalized this week after suffering a fall. 

A spokesperson provided NBC News with a statement on Wednesday explaining that the veteran lawmaker spent roughly two hours in hospital.

Feinstein fell while at home

"Senator Feinstein briefly went to the hospital yesterday afternoon as a precaution after a minor fall in her home. All of her scans were clear and she returned home," the statement read.

Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer issued a statement of his own, saying, "I spoke with Sen. Feinstein this morning. She said she suffered no injuries and briefly went to the hospital as a precaution. I’m glad she is back home now and is doing well."

NBC News noted that the incident on Tuesday is likely to fuel increased scrutiny over Feinstein's health, which has been in decline for some time.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) told reporters Tuesday she hasn’t been absent from Washington while spending two months recovering from illness, despite her being hospitalized in California and not being in D.C. during that time. https://t.co/Jj0GZRhiAU

— Breitbart News (@BreitbartNews) May 17, 2023

Questions over Feinstein's cognitive abilities

New York Times congressional correspondent Annie Karni reported in a May article that Feinstein grew confused upon seeing Vice President Kamala Harris presiding over the Senate.

What's more, Karni pointed out that since returning to Washington after a monthslong absence, Feinstein "has missed six votes and has not participated in any committee hearings or caucus lunches."

Meanwhile, one of Feinstein's Democratic colleagues spoke anonymously to the San Francisco Chronicle last year about her cognitive abilities.

"I have worked with her for a long time and long enough to know what she was like just a few years ago: always in command, always in charge, on top of the details, basically couldn’t resist a conversation where she was driving some bill or some idea," the lawmaker said before adding, "All of that is gone."

Some Democrats want Feinstein to step down

Feinstein's decision to remain in office until her term expires in January of 2025 has upset some Democrats who are calling for her resignation.

Among them is California Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna, who tweeted, "It’s time for [Sen. Feinstein] to resign. We need to put the country ahead of personal loyalty."

"While she has had a lifetime of public service, it is obvious she can no longer fulfill her duties. Not speaking out undermines our credibility as elected representatives of the people," he added.

It’s time for @SenFeinstein to resign. We need to put the country ahead of personal loyalty. While she has had a lifetime of public service, it is obvious she can no longer fulfill her duties. Not speaking out undermines our credibility as elected representatives of the people.

— Ro Khanna (@RoKhanna) April 12, 2023