WASHINGTON – Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (Democrat of San Francisco) was taken to a hospital for evaluation after she was injured in a fall during an official appointment while traveling with a bipartisan congressional delegation in Luxembourg, according to her spokesman.
“Speaker Emerita Pelosi is currently receiving excellent care from doctors and medical professionals,” her spokesman Ian Krager wrote in a statement. “She continues her work and regrets that she is unable to attend the remaining (congressional delegation) appointments to honor the courage of our service members during one of the greatest acts of American heroism in our country’s history.”
The trip to Luxembourg marks the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge, which began on December 16, 1944, when German soldiers launched an unexpected attack across Belgium and Luxembourg. The fighting with American soldiers and allies lasted more than a month and became one of the most significant battles of World War II.
Krager wrote that Pelosi was honored to travel with the delegation, many of whom had family members who fought in World War II – including her Uncle Johnny.
A source familiar with the incident said Pelosi tripped and fell just after taking a group photo in Luxembourg. The person was unaware of the extent of his injuries.
Pelosi was upset that she couldn't continue the short trip that members left after Thursday's vote and are scheduled to return from on Sunday, the person said. She is now expected to return as soon as she is discharged from the hospital.
In one Statement about XRep. Michael McCaul (R-Tex.), chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, expressed disappointment that Pelosi cannot continue the trip.
“I know how excited she was to honor our veterans,” he wrote. “But she is strong and I am confident she will get back on her feet in no time. I pray for a speedy recovery.”
Members met with the Luxembourg ambassador and are planning a visit to Bastogne, Belgium.
An event schedule shared with The Times said the delegation was scheduled to visit the American Cemetery in Bastogne, take part in wreath-laying ceremonies and attend a dinner hosted by the Luxembourg government. They are scheduled to meet with the Luxembourg National Assembly on Sunday before flying back to Washington.
Pelosi, 84, was the first woman to serve as House speaker and a longtime chairwoman of the House Democratic Caucus. She stepped down as speaker last year but continues to serve in the House.