Millender-McDonald diagnosed with cancer

updated 12:52 p.m. ET April 19, 2007

WASHINGTON - California Democratic Rep. Juanita Millender-McDonald has been diagnosed with cancer and has been granted a four- to six-week leave of absence from the House, her office said Wednesday.

The statement offered no details on the diagnosis and the congresswoman's chief of staff, Bandele McQueen, said he had no further information.

Millender-McDonald, 68, is in her seventh term representing a Southern California district that includes Compton, Long Beach and parts of Los Angeles.

This year she became chair of the Committee on House Administration, which oversees operations of the House and federal election procedures.

"The congresswoman has been diagnosed with cancer and is recuperating with her family," said her office's statement. "The congresswoman wishes to thank everyone for their expressions of love, well wishes and prayers. She will maintain a limited schedule in her district and is requesting respect of her privacy at this time."

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