House Dem faces "extended" hospitalization in blow to Jeffries
Rep. Donald Norcross (D-N.J.) is still in intensive care more than a week after being hospitalized for a gallbladder inflection and will have to undergo an "extended recovery," his doctor said Tuesday.
Between the lines: The development could sideline the New Jersey Democrat as House Republicans try to advance their hulking tax cut and debt ceiling bill.
That is rough news for House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), who hopes to use Republicans' paper-thin majority to his advantage.
Jeffries is already down two votes due to the deaths of Reps. Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.) and Sylvester Turner (D-Texas), whose seats won't be filled until the fall.
What happened: Norcross, 66, was hospitalized last weekend during a trip to North Carolina after what his office described as "an emergency medical event likely related to his gallbladder."
He was transferred the following day to Cooper University Health Care in New Jersey and placed in intensive care, with his staff saying his condition was "stable."
"His condition is improving, and he is on his way to making a full recovery," Norcross' office said in a statement on April 8.
What they're saying: On Tuesday, Cooper University chief physician executive Eric Kupersmith said in a statement released by Norcross' office that the congressman was diagnosed with a gallbladder infection.
The infection, called cholangitis, progressed to sepsis, Kupersmith said, adding that his medical team "was able to remove the gallstone and is treating the infection and its complications."
Norcross is "responding well to treatment, but faces an extended recovery that could require physical rehabilitation," Kupersmith continued, saying Norcross "remains in intensive care."
Zoom out: Norcross' hospitalization comes as attendance is already a concern for both parties in Congress.
A growing cohort of House members is eyeing potential runs for higher office, which could make some of those lawmakers less inclined to return to Capitol Hill to vote.
Jeffries said last week he is not worried, however, telling Axios that House Minority Whip Katherine Clark (D-Mass.) "has done a tremendous job."
"We've had complete attendance, absent a handful of medical emergencies," he said.
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