Jamie Raskin announces cancer diagnosis

« I expect to be able to work during this time, but my doctors have warned me to reduce unnecessary exposure to avoid COVID-19, influenza and other viruses, » Raskin said. “In addition to destroying cancer cells, chemotherapy alters natural antibodies and undermines the body’s immune system. I’m told it also causes hair loss and weight gain (although I’m still hopeful for the type that causes hair loss and weight loss).

Raskin, who was sworn in for his third term in Congress in 2021, has established himself as an influential House Democrat and has seen his national profile rise after taking on the role of manager during President Donald Trump’s second impeachment. and after becoming a Jan. 6 member of the select committee. Just last week, he landed the top Democratic job on the influential House Oversight Committee, where he will be one of the most important members of the new Congress.

The panel is expected to house some of House Republicans’ most high-profile and politically controversial investigations, including an investigation into Hunter Biden’s business dealings that Republicans hope to snare President Joe Biden.

Raskin handily beat Reps. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) and Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.) for the party’s lead role on the panel, which will put him at the forefront of rebutting the investigations of the GOP and serving as the Biden administration’s crucial line of defense.

« In these times of conspiracy theory and misinformation, the Oversight Committee is a central place to debunk propaganda and reveal the truth to the public, » Raskin told reporters of his role shortly after winning the spot. last week.

Oversight committee investigations are set to be delayed due to a protracted fight over who will lead House Republicans next year, with House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy still working to try to lock in 218 votes he will need to become president. Republican lawmakers expect multiple ballots that could span days, setting up a historic showdown on the House floor.

This threw the timeline for creating House committees and launching inquiries into limbo. Republicans had hoped to get off to a good start, but instead will have to put many of their plans on hold, including their ability to issue subpoenas or call meetings. GOP aides have predicted they are unlikely to start having oversight hearings before February, with an initial hearing likely to examine how Congress-approved coronavirus relief money was dispersed and spent.

Raskin gave no indication Wednesday that his diagnosis changed his plans to lead Democrats on the panel. Spokespersons for the Maryland Democrat did not immediately respond to questions about the potential impact on his House job.

But fellow Democrats, White House staff and Maryland officials immediately offered Raskin a wave of well-wishes as he prepares to undergo treatment.

Her diagnosis comes nearly two years after her 25-year-old son, Tommy, died by suicide. Raskin recounted how his youngest daughter, Tabitha, came with him to the Capitol on January 6, 2021 to provide emotional support as the family grieved, only to inadvertently end up in the Capitol complex during the attack on the supporters of former President Trump.

« My good friend [Raskin] embodies the highest ideals of our democracy and his leadership in Congress is inspiring. I wish him a speedy recovery and keep the Raskin family in my prayers,” tweeted Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.)member of the supervisory committee alongside Raskin.

Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) called Raskin a « fighter » and said he « would get through this even if he tried hard to defend our democracy ». Meanwhile, Rep. Ritchie Torres (DN.Y.) said he was « praying for a strong and speedy recovery », describing Raskin as a « national treasure » and an « oasis of legal integrity and intellect ».