House GOP leader Steve Scalise announces cancer diagnosis

Congressman says he is ‘incredibly grateful’ for support of family and doctors

The number 2 Republican in the House of Representatives announced a diagnosis of blood cancer on Tuesday.

Steve Scalise, leader of the Republican majority and deputy to Speaker Kevin McCarthy, announced the news in a press release Monday morning, and explained that he expected to work through his treatment period.

“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,” wrote Mr Scalise in the statement.

He continued: “I have now begun treatment, which will continue for the next several months. 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. 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.”

This is the second time Mr Scalise will undergo major medical care while serving in the House. He previously underwent surgery after being wounded in the hip during the 2017 shooting attack at a practice for the annual congressional baseball match.

Reactions poured in from lawmakers on both sides of Capitol Hill after the congressman released his statement. White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre also addressed the news during her daily press briefing.

"Our hearts and prayers go out to to the congressman and his family. Clearly he's gone through a lot over the past couple of years," she said, adding that the diagnosis was “very sad news, and clearly we are hoping for a speedy recovery."

Many of his colleagues touted the Louisiana Republican’s resiliency in their well-wishes.

“There is no stronger fighter than @SteveScalise. 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,” said Elise Stefanik, chair of the House Republican conference.

“Wishing my friend @SteveScalise a quick recovery. I know your courage and resilience will lead you through this battle with strength, and I will be here to support you throughout your recovery,” added Steny Hoyer, Mr Scalise’s counterpart on the Democratic side.

Byron Donalds, a House newcomer and rising star on the Trump-aligned right wing of the GOP, added: “Cancer doesn't stand a chance if a bullet couldn't stop Steve Scalise. His life is a living testimony of God's favor, and Erika and I pray for more of God's mercy during this battle. Steve, get well soon!”

Multiple myeloma is a blood cancer wherein plasma cells within the bone marrow become cancerous. Risk factors are not thought to be hereditary, and generally increase as a person ages.

Mr Scalise has been House Majority Leader since January, having previously served in the whip position while his party was in the minority. He was in that position for nearly nine years, and before that was chairman of the conservative Republican Study Committee.