Republican Sen. Katie Britt Explains Hospital Visit to Democratic Sen. John Fetterman
Republican Sen. Katie Britt told NBC News why she visited Democratic Sen. John Fetterman at Walter Reed hospital during his depression treatment. The visit happened at Fetterman's request, and Britt said she found him "totally changed" by the experience.
Republican Sen. Katie Britt of Alabama explained to NBC News why she visited Democratic Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania during his hospital stay for depression treatment.
Fetterman had asked Britt to visit him at Walter Reed hospital. When she arrived, Britt said she found Fetterman "totally changed" by his experience with depression treatment.
The two senators' offices sit next to each other in the Capitol. When Fetterman checked into the hospital, Britt's staff brought food to his office to help his team during his absence.
What started as neighboring colleagues has grown into a friendship that crosses party lines. Britt later praised Fetterman's "real courage" for being open about his mental health struggles.
Fetterman checked himself into Walter Reed in February 2023 for treatment of clinical depression. He returned to the Senate several weeks later and has continued serving.
The friendship between senators from opposite parties shows how mental health can bring people together across political divides. It highlights the growing openness about depression and mental health treatment in public life.
The interview was part of NBC's Common Ground series exploring bipartisan relationships in Congress.
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