ATLANTA (AP) – Sen. Johnny Isakson is recuperating from his second back surgery this year at his Georgia home, complicating Republican leaders’ plans as they count the votes for the GOP health care overhaul and a Supreme Court nominee.
Aides to the third-term Republican senator said Wednesday that Isakson is still awaiting his physician’s approval to travel back to Washington.
The senator underwent back surgery Feb. 20 to address what aides described as “spinal deterioration caused by arthritis.” He had a second surgery March 15 to address a hairline fracture that had developed at the base of his spine during his recovery from the first surgery.
Isakson’s spokeswoman, Amanda Maddox, said her boss remains in touch with colleagues.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., told The Associated Press this week that he wants the Senate to move ahead on legislation to repeal and replace former President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul and to vote on Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch before the mid-April recess.