Rehnquist Hospitalized but Returns to Bench

Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist, ailing with thyroid cancer, went to the hospital over the weekend after experiencing breathing problems but returned to the Supreme Court bench Monday.

Rehnquist, 80, was taken by ambulance Sunday to an Arlington, Va., hospital after developing a problem with the tracheotomy tube that helps him breathe. He was treated on an outpatient basis, said Ed Turner, the court’s deputy spokesman.

No other details were provided.

Rehnquist disclosed in October that he had thyroid cancer and underwent a tracheotomy. The procedure involves inserting a tube to aid breathing.

He returned to the bench last week after a five-month absence, though he had continued working at home and at the court during his convalescence.

Rehnquist sat for arguments Monday and was active, asking a number of questions of lawyers who debated an international death penalty case.

His voice has a weak, almost mechanical sound to it because of the tube, and at times his breathing can be heard when he asks a question.