Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) became emotional during a committee hearing Thursday — opening up about the “taunting” he faced after a major health scare last year.
Pennsylvania’s former lieutenant governor suffered hearing and other cognitive problems after a stroke in May 2022 — just before the Keystone State’s Democratic Senate primary.
“I’ve lost my ability to fully process language,” Fetterman, 54, said before a panel at the Senate Special Committee on Aging, describing the “profound” benefits of technology in his life.
“Because I live in a political environment, I’m mocked and mocked because I sometimes can’t process things or say anything,” he added.
Holding back tears, Fetterman — whose casual dress code has recently raised eyebrows — pulled out an app on a tablet that allows him to “fully participate in this meeting” as well as communicate with people in his personal life.
Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) was emotional during a committee hearing Thursday. US Senate Special Committee
The tablet has closed captioning capabilities that allow it to read whatever people say to it.
“I’m very sorry, I’m sure many of you have had to go through something like this,” he said, adding: “I admire everyone who has had to live with this kind of struggle and overcome it.”
Fetterman concluded by asking how senators can “be more empathetic, more responsive and more effective” in providing support to people with disabilities.
Fetterman spoke about the “taunting” he faced after his major health scare last year. US Senate Special Committee
“I think it just takes political will and the will to be accessible,” replied one witness, accessibility engineer Chris Westbrook. “It has to make it a priority. And just, you know, deciding it’s going to be a priority.”
After Fetterman defeated GOP candidate Dr. Mehmet Oz in the November 2022 general election, new technology is needed at the Capitol to help Fetterman communicate with staff and colleagues on a daily basis.
In addition to the tablet he carries with him, Fetterman has a closed-caption monitor mounted on his desk in the Senate chamber so he can follow the proceedings
A custom-made desk at center dais has also been equipped with the same technology for Fetterman’s use when he presides over Senate proceedings.
Categories: Trending
Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
