Republican House Majority Leader Steve Scalise diagnosed with blood cancer and is in

Republican House Majority Leader Steve Scalise has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a treatable blood cancer.  

‘After a few days of not feeling like myself this past week, I had some blood work done,’ the No. 2 House Republican said in a statement Tuesday. ‘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. 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,’ he went on. 

The diagnosis comes six years after the congressman was shot by a crazed gunman while practicing for the congressional baseball game in 2017. 

Scalise was critically shot in the hip by the attacker and entered into a coma. He had multiple surgeries and had to completely re-learn how to walk. 

Majority Leader Steve Scalise has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a blood cancer

‘There are a lot of miracles that happened,’ Scalise reflected in an interview with DailyMail.com on the six-year mark of the attack, saying the shooter was trying to kill every Republican on the field and had the ‘element of surprise’ advantage.

Nobody expected that at the end of the day, all the lawmakers would be alive except the shooter who was killed by law enforcement, he continued.

Scalise, 57, is currently serving his ninth term in Congress. He was first elected in 2008 and quickly rose through House leadership ranks.

Before majority leader, he served as the House minority whip from 2019 to 2023. 

As for whether he uses skills he learned during his eight years serving as the GOP whip into his No. 2 Republican leadership position, Scalise previously told DailyMail.com that it has helped him keep a strong pulse on ‘where the membership is’ when he is scheduling floor votes.

‘You want to bring bills to the floor that promote the conservative agenda that we believe in, but you also want to make sure the bills can pass so you want a good pulse for where the membership is,’ he said.

The majority leader received an outpouring of support from his colleagues in Congress after announcing his diagnosis on Tuesday.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy called Scalise a ‘dear friend’ and urged ‘everyone in the nation’ to keep him in their prayers. 

‘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.’

Steve Scalise and Rep. Brad Wenstrup at the hospital in 2017 after the congressional baseball shooting

‘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.’

‘There is no stronger fighter than [Scalise],’ said House GOP Conference Chair Elise Stefanik on X – formerly known as Twitter. 

‘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.’