Rep. Dan Kildee (D-MI) underwent surgery Monday to remove a cancerous tumor.

Kildee's operation came after his announcement last month that he had been diagnosed with cancer.

Democrat Rep. Dan Kildee Has Surgery to Remove Cancerous Tumor https://t.co/KAbdXUoauy

— Retribution2️⃣⏺2️⃣4⃣🍊 (@RealTrump2020_) April 18, 2023

The statement

“This afternoon, the Congressman had a surgery to remove a small cancerous tumor found in his tonsil,” Kildee’s chief of staff, Mitchell Rivard, said.

“He is expected to remain at George Washington University Hospital for the next several days as a part of the normal recovery process. Later in the week, the Congressman is expected to continue his recovery at home,” the statement added.

Democratic Rep. Dan Kildee of Michigan had surgery Monday to remove a small cancerous tumor in his tonsil, his office said https://t.co/DmbY5h8yxa

— CNN (@CNN) April 18, 2023

Missing votes

“Because of his surgery and recovery time, the Congressman will be missing votes in the U.S. House of Representatives,” Rivard explained.

“During this time, the Congressman will be submitting written statements for the record to the House Clerk for any missed recorded votes to keep his constituents updated on his positions," he added.

Democrat Rep. @DanKildee remains in hospital and will miss out on various votes in the US House after undergoing surgery to remove a cancerous tumor in his tonsil, his office said. https://t.co/aDpXoe23uA

— The Epoch Times (@EpochTimes) April 19, 2023

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), the type of cancer Kildee has, is a skin cancer. An estimated 1,8 million people are diagnosed with SCC each year.

Kildee was elected to Congress in 2012 to represent Michigan's 8th District. He is also co-chair of the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee.

His missing vote could be a big issue in the closely divided House. The GOP has a slight advantage that could be impacted by the slimmest margin of change.

Kildee is not alone among lawmakers fighting cancer in recent months. Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-TX) had surgery in February to remove "gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors" in what was referred to as a successful surgery. Rep. Jamie Raskin has also been fighting lymphoma cancer, currently taking a series of treatments to stop its spread.

The health concern is a major one for a top national lawmakers, with good news coming from the outcome of the recent surgery to remove the tumor and treat the health of the congressman before the cancer spreads further in the body.