Rep. Ted Poe, R-Texas, announced Wednesday that he has been diagnosed with leukemia.
Poe, who represents Texas’ 2nd Congressional District, said in a statement he will focus on his health during the upcoming Capitol Hill recess. He will undergo treatment at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.
His staff is ready to assist with casework or federal matters his constituents may have, he said.
“I am fortunate enough to be treated by the finest physicians in the world,” Poe said in his statement. “It is my intention to beat cancer and have a full recovery and continue to represent the people of Texas.”
Poe was a criminal court judge in Houston for 22 years prior to being elected to the House in 2004.
Poe is known for often ending his daily speeches from the House floor by declaring “And that’s just the way it is!” He ended his cancer announcement the same way, writing: “The Good Lord will fix this, I believe. And that’s just the way it is.”
House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., offered his support in a Twitter message.
All of us are pulling and praying for you @JudgeTedPoe. You can beat this. https://t.co/PJIE7ggZOf
— Paul Ryan (@SpeakerRyan) July 13, 2016
Poe, 67, has four children with his wife Carol.
