Rep. Steve Scalise has been upgraded to fair condition after undergoing surgery to treat infection, according to a MedStar Washington Hospital Center statement Thursday afternoon.
“Congressman Steve Scalise remains hospitalized at MedStar Washington Hospital Center,” the statement said. “Today, he underwent surgery for the management of deep tissue infection related to his bullet wounds. He is in fair condition and will require careful monitoring to see if and when further interventions are necessary.”
The Republican House majority whip was transferred out of the intensive care unit Wednesday morning, according to a congressional source familiar with Scalise’s condition. He was previously released at the end of June but was re-admitted in early July over concerns of a new infection.
The Louisiana Republican was critically injured last month during a shooting at the GOP baseball team’s practice for a charity baseball game. He sustained a single gunshot wound to his left hip and suffered significant damage to his internal organs.
The official photograph for members of the 115th Congress has also been delayed until Scalise is able to participate in the gathering. House Administration Committee Chairman Rep. Gregg Harper, a Republican from Mississippi, and Pennsylvania Rep. Robert Brady, the committee’s top Democrat, sent an email to lawmakers Tuesday notifying them of the photograph’s postponement.
“The decision was made to wait until Whip Scalise is able to be present,” Erin McCracken, a committee spokeswoman, told CNN Wednesday.
The House photograph was originally scheduled for July 18, and while no future date has been set, the committee will “send out a notification when a new date and time is scheduled,” according to the email.
