House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer, and has begun treatment.
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In a statement, Scalise said he started not to feel well while on the campaign trail and went to get blood work done. The results discovered that he had multiple myeloma, a treatable type of blood cancer. His treatment will continue for a couple of months, he said in a statement.
“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,” Scalise said in the statement. “I am incredibly grateful we were able to detect this early and that this cancer is treatable. 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.”
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) said in a statement that he spoke with Scalise and referred to him as “a dear friend” whom he knows will overcome any obstacle that stands in his way.
“House Republicans are proud to have the Legend from Louisiana as our Majority Leader. I wish him a speedy treatment as we continue to work together to get our country back on track and keep our Commitment to America,” McCarthy said in the statement. “I invite everyone in the nation to keep Steve and his family in your prayers.”
The announcement of his diagnosis received immediate support from other fellow Republicans in the House. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN) said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, that his “prayers are with Steve and his family” and he has “no doubt he will overcome adversity once again.”
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Scalise has overcome health emergencies in the past. In 2017 at a practice for the congressional baseball game in Virginia, a gunman shot him. Scalise had to undergo multiple surgeries to repair the damage.
“Steve has been a fighter his whole life,” Republican Study Committee Chairman Kevin Hern (R-OK) said in a statement. “I know he will face this diagnosis head on. Wishing him a quick recovery so we can have his voice back in DC.”
