Illinois Congresswoman Delia Ramirez on Wednesday said she’s taking several weeks off during the congressional recess — to recover from a “time-sensitive” surgical procedure.
The Chicago Democrat said she was disclosing the medical matter, “acknowledging the American people’s growing distrust in our public officials.”
“That’s why I am sharing that I will be taking a several-week-long planned leave over the August recess to recover from a time-sensitive and medically required surgical procedure,” Ramirez said in a written statement. She did not disclose further details of the medical treatment.
The U.S. House has been in recess since July 23 and plans to return to session on Aug. 31. Ramirez, 43, said her medical procedure will coincide with the recess, and while her offices remain closed until Monday for the recess break, they will reopen on Tuesday.
“As I begin my leave this week, I recognize the privilege I have to receive comprehensive healthcare and the ability to take time off to recover.,” Ramirez said in the statement. “Today, many working families struggle to afford insurance while balancing multiple jobs. Thousands of women — especially women of color — are being denied reproductive care, whether it is because they live in restrictive states or because they are in inhumane ICE detention.”
Ramirez won the 3rd Congressional District House seat in 2022, defeating 36th Ward Ald. Gilbert Villegas and two other challengers, and she easily won reelection in 2024. Ramirez became the first Guatemalan American elected to the state Legislature in 2018.
Ramirez’s disclosure comes as U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell, 84, remains at a rehabilitation facility, where he is undergoing physical therapy. The Kentucky senator was hospitalized on June 14 and disclosed a month later that he suffered a fall and later contracted a mild case of pneumonia.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear on Tuesday sent a letter to McConnell asking him to prove that he is fit to continue serving or resign from office. The governor had first urged the former Senate majority leader in early July to release more information about his condition after weeks of silence — and amid rampant speculation about his condition. McConnell first released a photo on July 12 to provide an update on his health.
McConnell has missed 38 votes on the Senate floor since his hospitalization.