WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican Rep. Jason Chaffetz (CHAY’-fits) of Utah says he needs immediate foot surgery and will be out of Washington for three to four weeks, missing a key vote on a spending bill to keep the government open.
Chaffetz, who chairs the House Oversight Committee, surprised the political world last week by announcing he will not seek re-election. He said in an Instagram post Wednesday he needs surgery to remove screws and pins from a foot he shattered 12 years ago. Chaffetz posted X-ray images showing the 14 screws and a metal plate in his foot. He said he injured his foot during a fall from a ladder at his home.
He said he was “sorry to miss the important work we are doing in Washington … but medical emergencies are never convenient.”
Chaffetz, 50, has not announced his future plans, although he says he’s considering private sector jobs. He is a possible candidate for Utah governor in 2020.
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