Justice Clarence Thomas Hospitalized With Flu-Like Symptoms
WASHINGTON — Justice Clarence Thomas was hospitalized with an infection on Friday after experiencing flu-like symptoms, the court said in a written statement posted to its website on Sunday.
“He underwent tests, was diagnosed with an infection, and is being treated with intravenous antibiotics. His symptoms are abating, he is resting comfortably, and he expects to be released from the hospital in a day or two,” the statement said of the high court’s longest-serving member.
It went on to say Justice Thomas will “participate in the consideration and discussion of any cases for which he is not present on the basis of the briefs, transcripts and audio of the oral arguments.”
All of the nine Supreme Court justices have been vaccinated and received booster shots against COVID-19.
At least two justices, Amy Coney Barrett and Brett Kavanaugh, have previously contracted the virus.
On Monday, the same day that the Supreme Court reconvenes, the Senate Judiciary Committee will open its hearings on the nomination of U.S. Circuit Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson.
Jackson’s multi-day confirmation hearings will conclude on Thursday with testimony from the American Bar Association and other witnesses.
On Friday, the ABA gave Jackson their highest rating — “well qualified” — to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court.
Democratic leaders hope to wrap up the hearings this week and vote on her confirmation by April 8.
If confirmed, she will be the first Black woman, only the fourth non-White justice in history, and only the sixth woman to serve as a Supreme Court justice.
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