Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas was hospitalized with an infection on Friday after experiencing flu-like symptoms, The New York Times reports.
The Supreme Court issued a statement on Sunday announcing that Thomas, the longest-serving justice on the bench, was hospitalized at Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington D.C.
“He underwent tests, was diagnosed with an infection, and is being treated with intravenous antibiotics,” the statement said. “His symptoms are abating, he is resting comfortably, and he expects to be released from the hospital in a day or two. 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.”
A spokeswoman for the court told the Times that Thomas’ illness was not Covid-related.
Thomas misses arguments:
Thomas missed oral arguments in several cases on Monday.
“Justice Thomas is unable to be present today but will participate in consideration and decision of the cases on the basis of the briefs and the transcripts of oral argument,” Chief Justice John Roberts said.
Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Brett Kavanaugh have both missed time this term after testing positive for Covid.
Thomas longest-serving justice:
Thomas, who was appointed to the court by President George H.W. Bush in 1991, is the longest-tenured member of the court.
At 73, he is also the second-oldest member behind retiring Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, who is 83.
Thomas is only the second Black justice to serve on the court.
The Senate on Monday kicked off confirmation hearings for President Joe Biden’s Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson, who would be the first Black woman to serve on the court.
Jackson, 51, was previously appointed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit by Biden.
