U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush is on an official leave from Congress to spend time with his wife as she undergoes major surgery.
The Chicago Democrat's spokeswoman Debra Johnson confirmed in a statement Monday that Rush's leave began Sept. 12. She did not disclose the nature of the surgery, or say how long the congressman will be on leave.
Rush recently missed several House votes, including one on a GOP measure to reduce food stamp funding.
He represents Illinois' 1st Congressional District which includes parts of Chicago's South Side and suburbs.
Rush has undergone serious surgery himself. In 2008 he underwent surgery for a cancerous tumor in his salivary gland and months of chemotherapy treatment.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
