House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-Louisiana) has undergone a stem cell transplant to treat multiple myeloma, which his office called “an important milestone in the fight against cancer.” expressing.
Scalise is expected to work remotely after completing the process before returning to Washington next month, narrowing the already thin Republican majority in the House.
Scalise, 58, announced in August that she had been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. On Friday, the Louisiana Republican Party's office announced that the congressman “successfully completed induction chemotherapy with positive results” and is beginning the transplant process.
“Last month, Leader Mr. Scalise successfully completed induction chemotherapy and tested positive. He has now been determined to be eligible for an autologous stem cell transplant. He is currently undergoing the transplant process. , a significant milestone in the fight against cancer,” Scalise's office said in a statement.
“Once the procedure is complete, he will recover under the supervision of his medical team and will work remotely until returning to Washington next month. I would like to thank my family, friends, and colleagues for their prayers and support.”
If Scalise is absent until February, the Republican majority in the House will drop from three to two. Republicans can only lose two votes due to partisan policies, assuming all members show up and vote for their party when Congress convenes next week.
The move comes as Congress prepares to take on two major legislative undertakings. Lawmakers have until Jan. 19 to fund some government agencies or risk a partial government shutdown. There is also growing pressure on lawmakers to reach a border security deal to remove additional aid to Ukraine.
Making things even more difficult for Republicans, Rep. Bill Johnson (R-Ohio) is scheduled to leave the House on January 21st. His resignation will not affect the Republican Party's cushion for winning partisan votes, but it will likely result in a lower number of votes than the Republicans. In a thinly divided body.
However, Rep. Brian Higgins (D.N.Y.) is scheduled to resign on February 2nd, which should come as a relief to Republicans. And a special election to fill the seat previously held by former Rep. George Santos (R.N.Y.) is scheduled to be held next month in what analysts are calling a toss-up.
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