Sen. Harry Reid diagnosed with exhaustion, released from hospital

By Karoun Demirjian

Published Friday, Dec. 20, 2013 | 7:02 a.m.

Updated Friday, Dec. 20, 2013 | 3:41 p.m.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid was released from the hospital today after being diagnosed as suffering from exhaustion and not anything more serious, according to a statement issued from his office this afternoon.

Reid, who was admitted this morning to George Washington University Hospital after complaining that he was not feeling well, has been cleared to return to work, the statement said.

“Senator Reid has been released from the hospital and is back at home with his wife, Landra,” the statement said. “He spent today resting, talking to family, friends and colleagues, reading the news and discussing Senate business.”

He thanked the doctors for the excellent care he received.

Reid spokesman Adam Jentleson said earlier that the senator was taken to the hospital as a precaution.

“Tests have been conducted and everything is normal. He is alert, resting and feeling better,” he said.

Reid was held at the hospital temporarily for observation.

Reid, who has served in Washington more than 30 years, turned 74 earlier this month. He suffered a mild stroke in 2005.

Today was the Senate’s last day in session before a two-week holiday break. In Reid’s absence, Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., opened the chamber’s last session of the year by saying he spoke with Reid and the Nevada Democrat was feeling well.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.