Donald Norcross transferred to N.J. in intensive care, stable condition

Rep. Donald Norcross (D-Camden), who suffered an emergency medical event yesterday that his office said was likely related to his gallbladder, has been transferred to a New Jersey hospital from North Carolina in “stable” condition, his office said in an updated statement today.

“Last night Congressman Donald Norcross was transferred to Cooper University Health Care in Camden City,” the congressman’s office said. “He is in intensive care and stable. He is tired but glad to be back in South Jersey. His condition is improving, and he is on his way to making a full recovery.”

The 66-year-old Norcross, who represents a South Jersey district based in Camden, was on a flight over the weekend when he had a medical episode that forced the flight to be diverted to North Carolina, where he was hospitalized at the UNC Rex Hospital. His office said yesterday that he was in “good spirits” and stable condition, and that he would be transferred to Cooper in South Jersey when he was medically cleared to fly, which evidently occurred last night.

“Donald wants to thank everyone who has sent well wishes and prayers to him, his staff and family,” Norcross’s office said today. “He also wants to thank again all the medical staff at both UNC Rex and Cooper University Hospital.”

Norcross’s health issues mean that he will most likely miss any remaining legislative activity in Washington this week – including a potential vote on an important and controversial budget resolution on which Republicans are struggling to prevent defections within their own conference. Democrats have been unanimously opposed to the GOP’s budget proposals in the past; given the House’s narrow margins, any missing Democratic vote could make things easier for Republicans.

After this week, Congress is scheduled to depart for a two-week recess.