Congressman, combat veteran Murtha dead at 77

[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/POLITICS/02/08/john.murtha.obit/story.john.murtha.gi.jpg caption="Rep. John Murtha, D-Pennsylvania, recently underwent laparoscopic surgery to remove his gallbladder." width=300 height=169]

Rep. John Murtha of Pennsylvania, a longtime fixture on the House subcommittee that oversees Pentagon spending, died after complications from gallbladder surgery, according to his office. He was 77.

The Democratic congressman recently underwent laparoscopic surgery to remove his gallbladder.

Murtha was hospitalized in December and had to postpone a hearing with Defense Secretary Robert Gates on the administration's strategy in Afghanistan. The congressman returned to work after a few days in the hospital and helped oversee final passage of the 2010 defense appropriations bill.

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