NEW YORK, NY March 11, 2008 —New York Congressman Charles Rangel, head of the House Ways and Means Committee, has been released from a Manhattan hospital, where he was treated for severe flu symptoms.

The 77-year-old Harlem Democrat said in a statement that he'll be working at a slower pace until he's fully recovered. Rangel says he's in close contact with his staff and will travel to Washington if needed for critical votes.

He expressed his thanks to staff at Columbia-Presbyterian, where he was admitted last week, as well as to his family, staff and supporters.