Donald Norcross hospitalized, but in ‘good spirits,’ after emergency medical event

Rep. Donald Norcross (D-Camden) suffered a medical event “likely related to his gallbladder” and has been hospitalized, his office announced today, adding that the congressman is in stable condition and in good spirits.

“Congressman Donald Norcross was traveling over the weekend and suffered an emergency medical event likely related to his gallbladder,” Norcross’s office said. “He was admitted to UNC Rex Hospital in North Carolina on Sunday and is in stable condition where he is receiving exceptional medical treatment. He is currently in good spirits and wants to thank the doctors, nurses, and support staff at UNC Rex Hospital for all their work on his behalf during his stay.”

The episode means that the 66-year-old Norcross is likely to miss the remaining week of legislative activity in Washington, including an event tomorrow to reintroduce the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act; after this week ends, Congress will then go on a two-week recess.

If Norcross is indeed unable to return to the House this week, that means Democrats could be one further vote short on a crucial budget resolution that passed the Senate last week; House Democrats are already down two seats thanks to recent member deaths, making the path easier for Republicans to pass the resolution on a party-line vote.

“When the Congressman is medically cleared to fly, he will be transferred back home to Cooper University Health Care [in South Jersey] in the coming days to complete his recovery,” his office said.