Sec. Gates slips on ice, fractures right shoulder

Gates will miss Wednesday's congressional hearing on the defense budget

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updated 10:04 a.m. ET Feb. 13, 2008

WASHINGTON - Defense Secretary Robert Gates fell on some ice at his home Tuesday night and fractured his right shoulder, officials said Wednesday.

Gates, 64, will not appear at a congressional hearing on the U.S. defense budget scheduled for Wednesday morning. Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England will attend the hearing instead.

Gates was examined last night and is said to be recovering, Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said.

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"Secretary Gates has been examined by a physician and is receiving treatment for this injury and continues to perform all other duties and responsibilities of his position," Whitman said.

The Washington D.C. area has been hit by icy weather over the last two days.