By Edward Epstein, CQ Staff

Rep. Vito J. Fossella admitted Thursday that he drove after drinking alcohol and apologized for embarrassing his family, his district and himself.

The Washington Post reported that Fossella, a five-term Republican from New York, had been arrested in Alexandria, Va., charged with driving while intoxicated, and given a May 12 court date.

Alexandria police did not return calls seeking elaboration on the charge against Fossella, who missed House roll call votes Thursday.

“Last night I made an error in judgment,” the congressman said in a brief written statement. “As a parent, I know that taking even one drink of alcohol before getting behind the wheel of a car is wrong.

“I apologize to my family and the constituents of the 13th Congressional District for embarrassing them, as well as myself,” added Fossella, whose district includes Staten Island and southwest Brooklyn.

Fossella, a lawyer, is married and has three children. He was re-elected in 2006 with 56.8 percent of the vote, and CQPolitics.com has been ranking his seat as “safe Republican” for 2008.