Chief Justice William Rehnquist announced that he would miss a fourth month of oral arguments at the Supreme Court as he recovers from thyroid cancer. A spokeswoman for the Chief Justice indicated that Rehnquist would continue to decide cases while he recuperates.

The Supreme Court is due to return to session on Monday after a four week recess. According to Kathy Arberg, a spokeswoman for Rehnquist, he continues to be weak and have problems with secretions in his recovery from chemotherapy. The Chief Justice is also using a tracheotomy to help him breathe at this time.

Rehnquist has not been on the bench since October 18, 2004. His only recent public appearance was when he swore in President Bush at his second inauguration last month. Rehnquist left shortly after the swearing in ceremony took place.

There is rampant speculation that the 80-year-old Rehnquist will retire although he has not confirmed those allegations.

The Chief Justice was appointed to the court by Richard Nixon in 1972 and made Chief Justice by Ronald Reagan in 1986. Rehnquist has a reputation as one of the court's more conservative justices.

Rehnquist will continue reading briefs and transcripts and attend meetings with the other justices according to Arberg. This will enable him to participate in decisions rendered by the court while he continues his recovery. There is no word as to when Rehnquist will take the bench again.