HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans of Philadelphia said Thursday that he is in a rehabilitation center recovering from a minor stroke and plans to vote again in Washington in about six weeks.
Evans, a Democrat serving his fourth term, said he is having problems with one of his legs that will keep him from walking for some time, and expects to leave the rehabilitation facility in about a week.
Evans, 70, said he was diagnosed this week with a stroke so small he didn’t realize what had happened for several days. He said the stroke will not affect his ability to serve in Congress in the long term.
He said he was taking some time to rest and decide how to make the diagnosis public.
“Over the coming months, I want to help educate people and remove the stigma that is sometimes associated with strokes – many people are able to recover and get on with their lives and their work,” Evans said.
Evans served in the House of Representatives for 36 years, rising to chairman of the Appropriations Committee before winning the seat from convicted former U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah.
