Nancy Pelosi announces her return to Washington for first appearance since hip surgery in Germany

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Thursday announced that she was on her way back to Washington, D.C., for the 119th Congress' official swearing in ceremony, which will be her first public appearance since she underwent hip surgery in Germany last month.

Pelosi was hospitalized after sustaining an injury from a fall in Luxembourg last month, during an event marking the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge. She was later transferred to the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany, where she had hip surgery. 

“I am on my way to Washington to proudly represent the people of San Francisco in Congress. I’m honored to do so to share our San Francisco values,” Pelosi said in a video on the social media platform X. “Thank you for giving me that honor.” 

The announcement comes as Congress prepares to launch its next term on Friday where the lawmakers will be sworn in and elect its next House speaker. Both chambers are also expected to certify the results of the 2024 presidential election on Monday.

Other Democratic lawmakers who recently experienced health issues are also expected to return for Friday's kick-off, including Pennsylvania Democratic Rep. Dwight Evans, who suffered a stroke last May, according to Politico.

The Democratic House members are expected to vote for House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to serve as the next speaker, while the majority of Republicans are expected to vote for incumbent House Speaker Mike Johnson. However, a handful of GOP lawmakers appear on the fence about supporting Johnson, even after President-elect Donald Trump endorsed his candidacy.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.