House Majority Leader Steve Scalise says he has been diagnosed with 'treatable' blood cancer

WASHINGTON — House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., announced Tuesday he has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer.

“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.

Scalise, the No. 2 ranking House Republican, said he has started treatment and intends to continue to serve as majority leader when lawmakers return to Washington in September.

“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,” Scalise said.

Lawmakers, reacting to his diagnosis on social media, shared support and well wishes for the majority leader.

“Steve is as tough and kind as they come, and he has beaten so many unbeatable odds,” Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., chair of the House Republican conference, said on X, formerly known as Twitter. “The Legend from Louisiana is beloved by his colleagues and America and we know he will fight this next battle with that same resolve.”

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., called Scalise "a dear friend, and anyone who knows him knows he’s a faith-filled fighter who can overcome any obstacle that stands in his way."

"I spoke with him today and he's in good spirits, as nothing—not a gunshot and certainly not cancer—will stop him from accomplishing what he sets his mind to," McCarthy shared on X.

Scalise was shot and nearly killed in 2017 when a gunman opened fire on multiple Republican lawmakers during a practice session for the annual Congressional baseball game.

When lawmakers return to Capitol Hill in September, they will have limited time to pass a flurry of spending bills to avert a government shutdown. As majority leader, Scalise is responsible for scheduling the House floor and maintaining cohesion within the House Republican conference.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Republican House leader Steve Scalise diagnosed with blood cancer