John Lewis returns to House floor for first vote since cancer diagnosis
U.S. Rep. John Lewis is back on the House floor today, less than two weeks since announcing a diagnosis of stage four pancreatic cancer.
He came to the chamber to vote with Democrats in favor of a resolution that would limit President Donald Trump's ability to take further military action in Iran. That action is in response to Trump's decision to authorize the killing of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, which led to a counter-attack Tuesday night targeting U.S. troops in Iraq.
There were no casualties, and afterward both the Iranian government and the Trump administration downplayed the possibility of additional use of weaponry. Still, Democrats question Trump’s decision to take Soleimani out and say Congress should have been consulted first.
Lewis, 79, announced he has cancer on Dec. 29 and pledged to continue working while undergoing treatment in Washington.
“Good to be back,” he said as he entered the chamber.
About the Author
Tia Mitchell is the AJC’s Washington Bureau Chief and a co-host of the "Politically Georgia" podcast. She writes about Georgia’s congressional delegation, campaigns, elections and the impact that decisions made in D.C. have on residents of the Peach State.
