U.S. Sen. Boozman undergoes emergency surgery, full recovery expected (Updated)

U.S. Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., is in an Arkansas hospital and was undergoing emergency surgery Tuesday morning (April 22), according to a statement from his Washington office.

Boozman, who has served as Arkansas' junior senator since 2011, was scheduled to speak at the ribbon cutting for the Bella Vista Bypass Tuesday but did not appear at the ceremony.

UPDATED INFO:
The following update was sent from Boozman’s Senate office at about 2:30 p.m.:
U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) is in recovery following heart surgery in Rogers, Arkansas.
 
Boozman, 63, was taken to the hospital overnight after suffering from pain in his chest and arm. After running several tests doctors admitted Boozman and performed heart surgery today.
 
Doctors say he responded well to the surgery and are monitoring his recovery. Boozman’s family has visited with him and are hopeful for a full recovery. The family is appreciative of the thoughts and prayers from well-wishers.
 
Please direct any questions to his official office and respect the family’s privacy at this time. Additional updates will be provided by his Senate office once more information is available.

Boozman, 63, was elected to the Senate in 2011 after serving in the House of Representatives since 2001.

Before running for Congress, Boozman served on the Rogers School Board and was a partner in BoozmanHof Eye Clinic in Rogers.

U.S. Sen. Mark Pryor, D-Ark., released a statement following the news of Boozman's hospitalization sending well wishes to Arkansas' junior senator.

"I’m fortunate to call Senator Boozman a good friend and trusted colleague. Today, I lift up his wife, Cathy, his three daughters, and their family and friends in prayer. On behalf of all Arkansans, I’d like to wish Senator Boozman a speedy recovery."

U.S. Rep. Steve Womack, R-Rogers, issued this statement: “My thoughts are with Senator Boozman, his wife, Cathy, and their family. I am grateful John is receiving care from some of Arkansas’s finest doctors and pray that he will make a quick, full recovery so that he can get back to doing what he loves and does so well – serving the people of Arkansas.”

A lifelong Arkansan, Boozman attended the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, where he was a member of the Razorback football team. Boozman's high school years were spent as a Grizzly, having graduated from Northside High School in Fort Smith.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.