House Majority Leader Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La., announced that he has been diagnosed with blood cancer.
The No. 2 House Republican said in a statement released Tuesday that he intends to be on Capitol Hill while he fights the illness.
“After a few days of not feeling like myself this past week, I had some blood work done. The results uncovered some irregularities and after undergoing additional tests, I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, a very treatable blood cancer,” Scalise said in a statement.
“I have now begun treatment, which will continue for the next several months,” Scalise said. “I expect to work through this period and intend to return to Washington, continuing my work as Majority Leader and serving the people of Louisiana’s First Congressional District.”
“I am incredibly grateful we were able to detect this early and that this cancer is treatable,” he added. “I am thankful for my excellent medical team, and with the help of God, support of my family, friends, colleagues, and constituents, I will tackle this with the same strength and energy as I have tackled past challenges.”
SCALISE, REPUBLICANS CRANK UP PRESSURE ON BIDEN, DEMS TO ADDRESS BORDER CRISIS: AMERICA’S ‘WATCHING’
Scalise was hospitalized in June 2017 after a gunman opened fire as Republicans were practicing for that year’s congressional baseball game. He was one of five people shot. The injury put Scalise in critical condition, and he did not return to the House floor until September of that year.
House lawmakers are due to return to Capitol Hill on Sept. 12 after a six-week August recess.
After Scalise’s Tuesday announcement, well-wishes immediately began pouring in for the Louisiana Republican.
HOUSE REPUBLICAN SAYS HE OPPOSES ALL TEMPORARY GOVERNMENT FUNDING BILLS AS SHUTDOWN LOOMS
“My family and I are praying for Majority Leader [Scalise] and wish him a speedy recovery. He is no stranger to fighting and winning battles of all kinds. I’m confident that he will win this one, too,” said Rep. Randy Feenstra, R-Iowa.
His colleague in congressional leadership, House GOP Conference Chair Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., said, “Steve is as tough and kind as they come, and he has beaten so many unbeatable odds.”
“The Legend from Louisiana is beloved by his colleagues and America and we know he will fight this next battle with that same resolve. We are proud to stand by to support Steve and his family as they embrace strength and faith in this next challenge,” Stefanik said.
