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Durbin Undergoes Procedure for Irregular Heartbeat

Senate Democrat Expected to Remain in Illinois for the Week

Sen. Richard J. Durbin, D-Ill., has been treated for an irregular heartbeat. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call File Photo)
Sen. Richard J. Durbin, D-Ill., has been treated for an irregular heartbeat. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call File Photo)

Senate Minority Whip Richard J. Durbin underwent an outpatient procedure Tuesday morning to address an abnormal heart rate discovered during a recent physical, his office announced in a release.

The procedure to correct a condition known as an atrial flutter utilized “painless radiofrequency energy” to get rid of irregular heart tissue and restore a regular heart rhythm, according to Durbin’s office.

The Illinois Democrat used the opportunity to call for increased funding for medical research and blast the Republican attempt to repeal 2010 health law.

“I anticipate that this heart tune-up will give my classic roadster many more miles of reliable service,” Durbin said in the release. “My congressional colleagues who want to cut funding for medical research and take away health insurance for millions of Americans should remember that all of us are only one diagnosis away from needing the best care for ourselves and the people we love.”

An omnibus bill to fund the government for the remainder of fiscal 2017 under consideration in the House would provide $2 billion more in funding for the National Institutes of Health, an increase Republicans and Democrats in both chambers have touted as a victory.

The catheter ablation procedure was performed at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. Durbin is expected to remain in Illinois the rest of this week.

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