Rep. Dingell released from hospital

WASHINGTON, Nov. 26 (UPI) -- U.S. Rep. John Dingell, D-Mich., was released from a Washington-area hospital Wednesday following complications from knee replacement surgery.

Dingell, 82, "will be back to work Friday to continue his work with the Michigan delegation to provide the domestic auto makers with a financial relief package to save millions of American jobs," said his spokesman, Michael Robbins.

Dingell was hospitalized Tuesday at Bethesda Naval Hospital in Maryland for post-surgical complications from his October knee surgery, the Detroit Free Press reported.

Last week, Dingell lost a closely fought battle to keep his chairmanship of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Rep. Harry Waxman, D-Calif., beat him out for the powerful post.