Rep. Alan Nunnelee (R-Miss.) was hospitalized in May. (washingtonpost.com)
Rep. Alan Nunnelee (R-Miss.) plans to undergo brain surgery on Monday in Houston, the congressman's office has announced.
Nunnelee is a second-term lawmaker who serves on the House Appropriations Committee. He announced the surgery via a statement posted on his Web site Thursday evening:
“On Wednesday, Tori and I arrived at MD Anderson in Houston, Texas. I am thankful that additional tests have confirmed that the small intracranial mass on the right side of my brain is isolated. I am also thankful that a surgery time has become available for Monday, June 9.
“As your elected representative, it is my responsibility to keep you apprised of my medical situation, and we will continue to keep you updated. During recovery, my team will be keeping me informed of constituent needs and legislative matters. Please continue to let us know if our office can be of assistance.
“I have been blessed throughout this process to not only have a great team of doctors, but also your prayers and support. I am grateful for your continued prayers, thoughts, and well-wishes for a speedy recovery.”
The statement didn't say how long his recovery was expected to take. Nunnelee was hospitalized in May after experiencing nausea and fatigue, and doctors found a mass on the right side of his brain, according to the Associated Press.
A former state senator, Nunnelee previously served as a vice president of Allied Funeral Associates, a life insurance company. He is a Baptist deacon and Sunday school teacher is a staunch opponent of abortion rights.
With his surgery and likely long recovery, Nunnelee is one of several lawmakers undergoing extended absences due to health issues. Sen. John Boozman (R-Ark.) remains away from Washington after undergoing emergency heart surgery in late April. Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-N.Y.) has been absent sporadically since last summer due to treatment for lung cancer and plans to retire after her current term. Rep. Bobby Rush (D-Ill.) has been absent for long stretches since announcing last fall that his wife was severely ill.
