House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-Louisiana) will not return to Washington until February to undergo a stem cell transplant during cancer treatment, his office announced.
His office released a statement Friday providing an update on treatment for multiple myeloma.
Last month, leader Scalise successfully completed induction chemotherapy and tested positive. He has now been determined eligible for an autologous stem cell transplant. He is currently undergoing the transplant process and is reaching an important milestone in his fight against cancer. Once the procedure is complete, he will recover under the supervision of a medical team and work remotely until returning to Washington next month. He is extremely grateful to have made such good progress and appreciates the prayers and support of his entire medical team, family, friends, and colleagues.
Scalise's absence comes at a critical time for House Republicans, as they face a multi-front battle with the slimmest (and now even slimmer) margins.
The House faces two federal funding deadlines on Jan. 19 and Feb. 2 and is working to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas despite concerns from a handful of Republicans. At present, a formal impeachment inquiry against Joe Biden is underway with a target date set. A House vote will probably take place in February.
Additionally, Senate negotiators are working toward a compromise on foreign aid funding and border security that could pass the House. Hours before Scalise's announcement, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) signaled his intention to bypass the seemingly stalled Senate process and work directly with the White House, but again His influence is likely to decline because of the lack of votes.
Shrinking profit margins have made Mr Johnson's difficult task as chairman even higher. With former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) resigning at the end of 2023, Republicans now hold 220 House seats, while Democrats hold 213. However, with Rep. Bill Johnson (R-Ohio) resigning on January 21st, the Republican advantage will shrink to 219-213.
A special election to replace ousted former Congressman George Santos (R-New York) will be held on February 13th. But many expect Tom Suozzi, a popular Democrat who held the seat for three terms before retiring in 2023, to win.
If Suozzi wins, the balance will swing to 219-214. However, if Mr. Scalise continues to be absent, the Republican Party's lead will effectively become 218-214.
In the latter scenario, Republicans could lose up to one vote to a unified bloc of Democrats.
The announcement from Mr. Scalise's office did not give a target date for his return, other than to suggest that he would return to Washington “next month.”
Bradley Jay is Breitbart News' Capitol Hill correspondent. Follow him on X/Twitter. @BradleyAJay.
