Two members of Congress are asking the Marine Corps to allow a serviceman to visit his wife and their prematurely born baby on Long Island.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and Rep. Timothy Bishop want the Marines to reverse a decision barring leave for Lt. Cpl. Keith Wagenhauser.

Cristal Wagenhauser gave birth to 2-pound, 11-ounce Madison Rose on Oct. 3. Her husband was stationed aboard a ship somewhere near Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Marines typically only grant leave in cases of death or grave illness to immediate family members.

Cristal Wagenhauser says she cries a lot. But she’s hopeful that the baby is getting better. 

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press