Rep. Pete Stark (D-Calif.), who has been fighting pneumonia since February, is recovering and will return to the House in June.

Stark, 77, told the Associated Press on Friday that he was released from his latest hospital stay about a week ago and is now regaining his stamina.

The feisty, 19-term Congressman, who chairs the key Ways and Means subcommittee on Health, last voted on April 23.

As a reason for his delayed return, he said doctors have had difficultly identifying the cause of his illness.

Stark, a staunch proponent of universal health care, is expected to play an important role in whatever health care legislation Congress eventually enacts.