The Senate installed closed-caption technology for freshman Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., to aid him while he recovers from a life-threatening stroke that hinders his ability to process and communicate speech.
Fetterman’s team coordinated with the Office of Congressional Accessibility Services as he took office in January to install the technology at his desk in the Senate chamber, according to Time magazine. The installed technology will allow Fetterman to read typed closed-captions as individuals speak.
The technology will also assist Fetterman as he delivers speeches on the floor, which has strict rules prohibiting members from using certain technologies, including the use of cellphones. There will be a similar desk stand with the closed-caption tech he can place on the Senate dais when he presides over the body, as well.
The wired screens in the Senate chamber will be able to operate with or without Wi-Fi as closed-captions are manually typed out for him by professional broadcast captioners. He will also able to utilize the technology as he sits and stands.
Fetterman used closed-caption technology on the campaign trail and won one of the most closely contested Senate races in November 2022.
He suffered the life-threatening stroke in May, and held limited public appearances as he recovered. He used a closed-caption system during an interview with NBC interview following his stroke, as well as in his debate, where the then-candidate struggled to speak clearly and process questions.
Fetterman did not release his full medical records as he promised on the campaign trail.
Fetterman defeated Republican candidate Dr. Mehmet Oz by 5% in the 2022 Senate election in Pennsylvania, according to Fox News election data.