Associated Press/Mindaugas Kulbis
Lawmakers are responding to news that Sen. John McCain has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer.
McCain is expected to undergo treatment for a glioblastoma found during a procedure to remove a blood clot from above his left eye. That treatment could include chemotherapy and radiation.
It is unclear if, or when the 80-year-old Republican senator will return to Washington.
President Trump issued a statement following McCain’s announcement, saying McCain had “always been a fighter,” and that he and Melania sent their thoughts and prayers to McCain and his family. “Get well soon,” the statement said.
Other lawmakers have been weighing in.
Former senator and secretary of state Hillary Clinton tweeted that John McCain was “as tough as they come.”
https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/887836701527355393
John McCain is as tough as they come. Thinking of John, Cindy, their wonderful children, & their whole family tonight.
Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey called McCain a “true hero.”
https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/887841091189440516
My thoughts and prayers are with @SenJohnMcCain, a true hero. Cancer is up against one Anerica’s toughest fighters.
In a statement posted to Twitter, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell called McCain a “hero to our country.”
McConnell added that McCain “has never shied from a fight,” and that he would “face this challenge with the same extraordinary courage that has characterized his life.” His statement finished offering prayers to McCain and his family.
Sen. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer directed his statement to McCain, saying “you have always been a fighter.”
Schumer added that he would be praying for McCain until he beat the disease.
House Speaker Paul Ryan issued a statement on Twitter saying McCain has “always been a warrior.”
Ryan added that everyone, Republican and Democrat, was behind McCain, and sent prayers for McCain and his family.
Sen. Shelley Moore Capito called the news “so sad,” and called McCain a “true fighter.”
https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/887831368285253632
So sad to hear the heartbreaking news about my friend @SenJohnMcCain. My prayers are w/ the McCain family and w/ John, a true fighter.
Former President Barack Obama said “cancer doesn’t know what it’s up against.”
https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/887836712822558720
John McCain is an American hero & one of the bravest fighters I’ve ever known. Cancer doesn’t know what it’s up against. Give it hell, John.
Sen. Rand Paul offered his prayers for McCain and his family. He added that he hoped for a “full recovery” for McCain.
Sen. Marco Rubio called McCain an “American hero.”
A tweet sent from Rep. Steve Scalise’s account said McCain was “one of the toughest people” he knows. The tweet said that Scalise, who is still in the hospital recovering from gunshot injuries, would be praying for McCain.
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi tweeted that she was “privileged” to call McCain a friend, and would be praying for him.
https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/887832678208331776
.@SenJohnMcCain is a hero, a patriot and a fighter. I am privileged to call him a friend. Paul & I pray for his recovery and his family.
Former President George H.W. Bush said in a statement, McCain “will meet this latest battle … with courage and determination.”
Vice President Mike Pence said “cancer picked on the wrong guy,” offering prayers.
https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/887850065590616066
Karen & I are praying for @SenJohnMcCain. Cancer picked on the wrong guy. John McCain is a fighter & he’ll win this fight too. God bless!
