In a recent interview on Fox News Channel's "Fox & Friends," House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) confirmed his intention to run for the Speaker of the House position, following the departure of Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA).
Scalise, who was recently diagnosed with blood cancer, has been given the green light by his medical team to pursue this political endeavor.
During the interview, Scalise referenced his recovery from a 2017 shooting incident at a congressional baseball practice. "Fox & Friends" co-host Steve Doocy broached the subject of Scalise's health, stating, "You were diagnosed with multiple myeloma a while back. Youre going through treatment right now. Ive heard some people say, you know, maybe hes not healthy enough."
Scalise responded with optimism, stating, "Thank God they caught it early. I have a great team of doctors that are the best in the world. They were able to put me on some drugs really quickly. Its a blood cancer. There were really good treatments available, and we got them quickly, aggressively." He further added that his doctors had given him the go-ahead to return to work, stating, "Youre ready to go back to work and get in the fight. If the doctors didnt sign off, I wouldnt be doing this."
Doocy confirmed this, asking, "They cleared you. They said youre OK?" To which Scalise replied, "They said youre ready to go back in the fight."
Scalise also reflected on his past struggles, including the 2017 shooting incident. He praised former President Trump for his support during that difficult time, stating, "President Trump was right there lifting my family up at the lowest times. People dont even see that side of him. How wonderful he was at my lowest moments in 2017."
Scalise also touched on the opioid crisis, attributing it to the open southern border. He criticized the current administration for its lack of action, stating, "The president doesnt want to confront that challenge. We as House Republicans do." He emphasized the need for unity and action, stating, "Weve got to come together first. Were working through that, the last few days, the days ahead. Im going to continue having those conversations."
Scalise concluded by expressing his readiness to take on the role of Speaker of the House, stating, "Im ready to do this job. Ive got the background to do this job. But, you know, theres a lot of people struggling in this country that are counting on us. Weve got to go back to work for them."
Scalise's announcement comes at a critical time for the Republican party, as they navigate the political landscape in the wake of McCarthy's departure. His determination to confront pressing issues, coupled with his resilience in the face of personal adversity, positions him as a strong contender for the Speaker of the House role.
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