By Steve Neavling
Attorney General Merrick Garland will delegate his responsibilities to his top deputy over the weekend as he undergoes lower back surgery on Saturday, the Justice Department announced Monday.
Garland, 71, will undergo “minimally invasive” surgery and be under general anesthesia for about 90 minutes, DOJ spokeswoman Xochitl Hinojosa said, The Washington Post reports.
Garland is expected to return home the same day and is scheduled to be back at work on the week of Feb. 5.
Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco will take over Garland’s duties shortly before, during, and for a short time after the surgery.
Top government officials typically inform the public when they are undergoing medical treatment that might render them unable to fulfill their duties.
