Rep. Steve Scalise Diagnosed With Blood Cancer

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) speaks at a press conference at the Republican National Committee headquarters on Capitol Hill in Washington on Jan. 25, 2023. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) announced on Aug. 29 that he has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a type 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. I have now begun treatment, which will continue for the next several months,” he posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“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,” continued Mr. Scalise.

“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.”

According to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, multiple myeloma is currently incurable. A range of treatments can bring the disease into remission, but it often returns.

Mr. Scalise’s announcement comes two weeks before the House is set to be back in session as the chamber and the Senate work to avoid a government shutdown, as the deadline to fund the government is Sept. 30.

Messages of support have poured in for Mr. Scalise, who last faced a publicly-known health scare in 2017 when he was shot on a baseball field one day before the annual Congressional Baseball Game for charity.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) said he spoke to Mr. Scalise today, and the majority leader is in “good spirits.”

“[N]othing—not a gunshot and certainly not cancer—will stop him from accomplishing what he sets his mind to,” the speaker posted on X.

“@HouseGOP is 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,” Mr. McCarthy added.

“I invite everyone in the nation to keep Steve and his family in your prayers.”

Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), chairwoman of the House Republican Conference, also pointed to the majority leader’s strength.

“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,” Ms. Stefanik wrote on X.

“Nobody is as prepared as Steve Scalise is to take on this new trial, and win,” said Rep. Ann Wagner (R-Mo.) in a statement. “With his faith in God, the love of his life Jennifer at his side, and his children and loving family there to support him, I know Steve will fight through this and come out stronger and more purpose driven than before.”

Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy said he is praying for Mr. Scalise and his family.

“The same faith, family support, and internal strength that made Steve such an inspiration to others after he was shot, will bring him through this illness and once more inspire us all,” Mr. Cassidy posted on X.

Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas), likewise said on X: “I’m deeply saddened to hear that my colleague, @SteveScalise, has been diagnosed with blood cancer. Steve is a fighter, and I know he’ll be back to good health soon. Praying for you, Steve!”

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said President Joe Biden had not yet called Mr. Scalise, but offered a message of support.

“That’s devastating news. Our hearts and prayers go out to the congressman and his family,” Ms. Jean-Pierre said at a regular press briefing.