This article appeared in the Tribune-Democrat on February 5, 2010. 

It appears that U.S. Rep. John Murtha will mark a career milestone in a Virginia hospital.

The Johnstown congressman remained hospitalized Friday due to complications from surgery he underwent last week.

Today, Murtha will become the longest-serving representative in Pennsylvania history. The observance was noted in remarks introduced into the Congressional Record on Friday.

"Jack is emblematic of the hardworking Pennsylvanians that he has represented for

36 years, as well as those that each of us represent," said U.S. Rep. Paul Kanjorski, a fellow Democrat who serves the 11th district in northeastern Pennsylvania.

Murtha had his gallbladder removed Jan. 28. His office confirmed Tuesday that he was being treated in the intensive-care unit of Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington due to unspecified complications from that procedure.

On Friday, a spokesman said he had no update on the 77-year-old lawmaker's health. Murtha's condition has been described as "stable."

Murtha first won the 12th district seat in a special election on Feb. 5, 1974. As of today, he will have served 13,150 days in the House.

That's one more day that the state's previous longest-serving congressman, Republican Joseph McDade of Scranton.

McDade retired in 1999.

Kanjorski's statement was made on behalf of 14 other House members including Republican Bill Shuster of Hollidaysburg, who represents portions of Cambria and Somerset counties.

"(Murtha) has led our delegation with passion and perseverance," Kanjorski said.

"We look forward to continue working with him and congratulate him on this milestone."