Scalise, Majority Leader, to miss January for stem cell treatment

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise to Undergo Stem​ Cell Transplant

House Majority Leader Steve‍ Scalise (R-LA) will not be returning ‍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 completed his chemotherapy in December. His office stated that he ⁢had a ⁤”positive response”⁢ to the ⁣treatment and became ‌eligible for an autologous stem cell⁤ transplant.

“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.

Impact on House Republicans’ Majority

With Scalise absent for the month of ‌January, House Republicans’ already slim majority ⁣is further diminished during a crucial time when they face‌ a battle over must-pass legislation.

When the House reconvenes on January 9, lawmakers will immediately be tasked with passing⁣ government funding, some of which will expire on January 19.

Currently, House Republicans hold a 220-seat ‍majority. However, with Scalise’s absence, that number will drop to 219. Additionally, Rep. ‍Bill Johnson (R-OH) will be leaving‍ on ‌January 21, reducing the majority to 218. This will make it even more challenging for leadership to pass legislation, as they were already struggling to get it through the lower chamber.

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With Scalise unable‌ to participate, what challenges ⁤will the Republican leadership face in passing legislation?

⁢ House ‌Majority Leader ⁣Steve Scalise, a Republican from Louisiana, will be⁢ undergoing a ​stem cell transplant as part of his ongoing cancer treatment. As a‌ result, he will not be able to return to Washington, D.C.⁣ until next month. Scalise’s office made the announcement on Friday, stating that he had a positive response to‍ his chemotherapy treatment for multiple myeloma and ⁤became eligible for the transplant.

The stem cell⁤ transplant signifies a significant milestone in Scalise’s‌ battle against cancer. Following the ⁤procedure, he‍ will be recovering under the care of his medical team and will continue his work remotely until his return to Washington. Scalise expressed his gratitude for the support and prayers he has received from his medical team, family, ‌friends, and colleagues.

However, Scalise’s absence will have an impact on House ⁤Republicans’ majority, which ⁢is already somewhat tenuous. With the House reconvening on January 9, lawmakers will face the immediate challenge of passing government⁤ funding that expires on January 19. Currently, House Republicans hold a slim 220-seat majority. However, with Scalise now unable ​to participate, that number will decrease to 219. Furthermore, Representative Bill Johnson from Ohio will also be leaving on January‍ 21,⁣ further diminishing the majority to​ a ‍critical 218 seats. This will undoubtedly make it even more challenging for⁣ the Republican leadership to pass legislation, as they were already ‌facing difficulties in gaining support ​within ⁣the lower chamber.

The absence of Scalise, a key figure in the Republican Party, during this crucial time will⁢ undoubtedly have an impact on party dynamics and the ‌ability to push through important legislation. The party will have to ‍navigate these challenges and find alternative ways to maintain their majority and ‍advance their legislative agenda.

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