House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) will not return to Washington, D.C., until February as he undergoes a stem cell transplant as part of his cancer treatment, his office announced on Friday.
Last year, Scalise was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and underwent chemotherapy, which he completed in December. According to his office, Scalise had a “positive response” to the treatment and became eligible for an autologous stem cell transplant.
GOP TO PRESS FAUCI ON HANDLING OF ‘SCIENTIFIC DEBATE’ IN FIRST POST-RETIREMENT TESTIMONY
“He is currently undergoing the transplant process, marking a significant milestone in his battle against cancer. Once the procedure is completed, he will be recovering under the supervision of his medical team and will work remotely until returning to Washington next month. He is incredibly grateful to have progressed so well, and is thankful to his entire medical team, family, friends, and colleagues for their prayers and support,” his office said in a statement.
With Scalise being gone for the month of January, it further dwindles House Republicans’ already slim majority during a month in which they are faced with a battle over must-pass legislation.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
When the House returns on Jan. 9, lawmakers will immediately be tasked with passing government funding, some of which will expire on Jan. 19.
Currently, House Republicans have a 220-seat majority. That will drop to 219 with Scalise gone and 218 when Rep. Bill Johnson (R-OH) leaves on Jan. 21. This will make it that much harder for leadership to pass legislation, which it was already struggling to get through the lower chamber.
