Rep. Bobby Rush undergoes cancer surgery

U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush successfully underwent a surgery to remove a cancerous tumor from a salivary gland and was scheduled to recover at home for several weeks, officials said Sunday.

"I am very blessed because although rare, this cancer was determined to be localized," Rush said in a statement released late Sunday evening. "Post operative treatments are to be scheduled after my full recovery from surgery."

The Chicago Democrat said he is resting comfortably at home and anticipated a recuperation period that will last three to five weeks.

"During that time, my very capable personal staff, as well as my subcommittee staff, is actively managing, under my direction, all legislative and constituent services priorities," he said in the statement.

He added that House leaders are "well aware of my current status and are very supportive."

A spokesman for Rush's office said Sunday evening that Rush has been recuperating and would not be available for comment.

The surgery was performed March 1 by a surgical team at the University of Chicago Medical Center.