Chris Murphy hospitalized following stroke

Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., suffered a stroke and was hospitalized Saturday, his office announced Sunday, adding that the 51-year-old lawmaker is "awake and alert." No further details on his condition, treatment or expected length of hospitalization were provided. Murphy, who was elected to the Senate in 2012 after serving in the House, chairs the Senate Foreign Relations subcommittee and has been a lead negotiator on bipartisan gun-safety and Ukraine aid legislation. His absence could affect the narrow Democratic margin in the Senate, where the party holds a 51-47 seat advantage with independents, as votes on pending appropriations and foreign-aid measures approach. The office said updates on his recovery would be provided as available; watchers will look for a timeline for his return to Washington and whether any committee or floor activity is affected.