Sixth District Congress-man Howard Coble may be released from the hospital Sunday.

Coble was reported to be resting comfortably at George Washington University Hospital Wednesday. Doctors at the Washing-ton, D.C., hospital ruled out pneumonia and any other concern other than an upper respiratory illness. They reconfirmed that the respiratory problem depleted his sodium levels, a condition that sent him to the hospital Tuesday afternoon.

Ed McDonald, Coble’s chief of staff, said physicians had told the 80-year- old U.S. representative that he could leave the hospital as early as Friday if his sodium levels continue to improve.

Doctors later told Coble’s office that they still have not discovered anything other than an upper respiratory illness, which has depleted his sodium levels.

SUSPENDED — Effect-ive Dec. 21, the office of Congressman Howard Coble is temporarily suspending the twice a month office hours in Moore County.

A news release from Coble’s Greensboro office says staff member Lindsay Morris will be on maternity leave and will resume office hours in Southern Pines in April.

In the meantime, constituents may continue to contact the Greensboro office for services. Greensboro office hours are 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The number is (336) 333-5005.

JOHN HOOD — John Hood, president and CEO of the John Locke Foundation, will be guest speaker for the Jan. 12 luncheon meeting of the Moore Republican Men’s Club at Country Club of North Carolina.

His topic will be jobs, growth and the 2012 election in North Carolina.

Anyone wishing to join the club and attend the January meeting may make reservations by calling John Jarrett at (910) 528-4228.

More details will be reported later.

ELLMERS — Congress-woman Renee Ellmers on Tuesday joined the U.S. House leadership in support of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act.

The bill would extend the current payroll tax rates, delay implementation of the Medicare Sustainable Growth Rate and extend unemployment insurance benefits.

Ellmers, a Republican, represents the 2nd District, which is expected to become Moore County’s district effective with the 2013 session of Congress.

However, the bill passed by the Republican-controlled House faces hard-going in the Senate, controlled by Democrats, and a possible veto by President Obama. At latest report, Senate leaders were considering compromise legislation.

The Democrats want to cover the cost of the bill by taxing millionaires. Obama and Democrats also object to other provisions of the House bill, including action on the controversial Keystone energy project that would build a gas line from Canada to Texas. The House bill also calls for removal of some EPA regulations.

“We have to stop spending money we don’t have, and that is why House Republicans are offsetting the cost of the bill fully with common sense spending cuts,” Ellmers said in a statement released Tuesday.

Contact Florence Gilkeson at florence@thepilot.com.