House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., has revealed that he is undergoing treatment for cancer. In a statement released on Tuesday, Scalise disclosed that he had been diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, a blood cancer that is highly treatable. The congressman expressed his intention to continue working while receiving treatment and expected to return to Washington after the recess.
Having recently experienced some abnormalities, Scalise underwent blood tests which led to the diagnosis. The early detection of his condition, Scalise noted, gives him greater prospects for a successful outcome. He expressed gratitude for his medical team and shared his determination to confront this challenge with the same strength and energy he has applied to past difficulties.
Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, a fellow Republican, offered his support to Scalise. The House Majority Leader, an already well-known figure, faced a life-threatening ordeal in 2017 when he was gravely wounded in a shooting during a congressional baseball practice. Having endured a gunshot wound to the hip that ruptured multiple organs, Scalise required numerous surgeries and was absent from the House floor for three months. He continues to walk with a limp.
Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., said that he spoke with Scalise and reported that the congressman’s spirits remained high. McCarthy described Scalise as a determined fighter who, despite encountering adversities such as a gunshot and now cancer, will not be stopped from achieving his goals.
Scalise’s announcement came during Congress’s month-long August recess. Lawmakers are set to return next month to resume their legislative duties. The news of Scalise’s diagnosis has generated concern among his colleagues, constituents, and supporters, but his determination to overcome this health challenge has encouraged an outpouring of support.
As Majority Leader, Scalise wields influence in the House of Representatives and holds a significant role within the Republican Party. His absence during his recovery from the shooting in 2017 prompted a reshuffling of leadership positions within the party. Scalise’s return to Congress after this battle with cancer will mark another chapter in his political career, as he continues to serve the people of Louisiana’s First Congressional District.
In conclusion, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise has disclosed that he is undergoing treatment for Multiple Myeloma, a form of blood cancer. Despite the diagnosis, Scalise remains committed to his work and intends to return to Washington after receiving treatment. The news of his condition has garnered support from colleagues and constituents alike, who admire his resilience in confronting past challenges and believe in his ability to overcome this as well.
