Former Speaker Pelosi Undergoes Hip Replacement Following Fall in Luxembourg

Nancy Pelosi, the former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, underwent hip replacement surgery following an injury sustained during an official visit to Luxembourg, according to a statement from her office. Her spokesman, Ian Kreger, stated, “Earlier this morning, Speaker Emerita Pelosi underwent a successful hip replacement and is well on the mend.” Ms. Pelosi, aged 84, was transported via U.S. military airlift to a hospital in Germany. This occurred after reports indicated she tripped and fell on stairs during an official event held on Friday. The Democratic congresswoman from California was part of a bipartisan delegation of lawmakers traveling to Luxembourg to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge. Ms. Pelosi extended her gratitude to both the U.S. military personnel at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany and the medical staff at Hospital Kirchberg in Luxembourg. The statement further noted, “Speaker Pelosi is enjoying the overwhelming outpouring of prayers and well wishes and is ever determined to ensure access to quality health care for all Americans.” She has withdrawn from the remaining scheduled events for the trip. In a prior statement issued on Friday, Mr. Kreger mentioned that Ms. Pelosi anticipated returning to the U.S. shortly and was continuing her work from the hospital. The delegation she was accompanying in Luxembourg is slated to participate in anniversary events alongside veterans, their families, and military officials. Michael McCaul, one of the congressmen on the trip, expressed disappointment that Ms. Pelosi would be unable to attend the delegation’s weekend events. The Texas Republican commented, “But she is strong, and I am confident she will be back on her feet in no time.” Ms. Pelosi has maintained a prominent role in U.S. politics throughout a career spanning seven presidential administrations. Her initial tenure as House Speaker was from 2007 to 2011, a position that is second in the line of succession to the presidency, following the vice-president. She subsequently reclaimed the role in 2019 after her party regained control of the chamber. Although she resigned as Speaker in 2023, she continues her service in the House and maintains a highly influential presence within the Democratic Party. She was elected to an additional two-year term last month. She is not the sole member of Congress to sustain injuries from a fall this week. Mitch McConnell, the outgoing Senate minority leader, aged 82, sustained a sprained wrist and facial cuts at the U.S. Capitol. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external sites. Information regarding their approach to external linking is available.