Democratic Sen. John Fetterman said he has been performing more congressional duties because "people in the media have weaponized" his history with mental health struggles.
The New York Times noted that Fetterman has been attending hearings and votes he usually skipped over the past year.
The change came after a series of reports that increased scrutiny over his state of mind. One of them was an outburst during a meeting with union officials and another a feature piece in New York Magazine where former staffers and advisers detailed their concerns about the senator.
Fetterman dismissed the piece as a "one-source hit piece and some anonymous sources," adding that there are no people concerned about his mental health. Regarding the outburst at the union meeting, the senator said in a statement that they "had a spirited conversation about our collective frustration with the Trump administration's cuts to our education system."
Fetterman has also rejected criticism of his absenteeism, saying it is actually a result of him deciding to spend more time at home and less time performing routine tasks. "My doctor warned years ago: After it's public that you are getting help for depression, people will weaponize that," the senator said, according to the NYT. "Simple things are turned. That's exactly what happened."
The Washington Post reported earlier this month that reports about Fetterman's rift with some Democrats over this matter has encouraged some Republicans to consider the possibility of luring him to their party.
The outlet noted that the conservative Club for Growth ran an add in Pennsylvania urging the senator to vote for Republicans' spending bill. Fetterman, however, has repeatedly said he will never join the Republican party.
Some Democratic senators have downplayed any potential tensions, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer saying Fetterman is a "good legislator." Party whip Dick Durbin said he is in regular touch with him ahead of votes and that reported uncertainty about his decisions are not unusual.
The Hill also reported this month that two senators are talking with colleagues about the best way to help Fetterman, saying the stress coming from being a member of the Upper House could be taking a toll.
"Every time I see him, I'm worried about him," one of the senators told the outlet. Requesting anonymity to speak candidly, the lawmaker said "we're all in touch with each other having conversations about how to intervene."
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