McCarthy Is Supportive of Raskin’s Head Covering, Contrary to Online Posts

Quick Take 

Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland wears head coverings on the House floor to cover his hair loss while undergoing treatment for cancer. Social media posts falsely claim that House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, a Republican, refused to allow Raskin to wear his head covering. The posts misinterpret a joke Raskin made in response to a question. 

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Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland announced on Dec. 28 that he had been diagnosed with cancer. “After several days of tests, I have been diagnosed with diffuse large B cell lymphoma, which is a serious but curable form of cancer,” Raskin said. 

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma is usually marked by growing tumors in the liver, spleen, lymph nodes, bone marrow or other organs, according to the National Cancer Institute. Three out of four people are disease free after treatment. 

“I am about to embark on a course of chemo-immunotherapy on an outpatient basis at Med Star Georgetown University Hospital and Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. Prognosis for most people in my situation is excellent after four months of treatment,” Raskin said. 

Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland announced on Dec. 28 that he had been diagnosed with cancer. “After several days of tests, I have been diagnosed with diffuse large B cell lymphoma, which is a serious but curable form of cancer,” Raskin said. 

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma is usually marked by growing tumors in the liver, spleen, lymph nodes, bone marrow or other organs, according to the National Cancer Institute. Three out of four people are disease free after treatment. 

“I am about to embark on a course of chemo-immunotherapy on an outpatient basis at Med Star Georgetown University Hospital and Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. Prognosis for most people in my situation is excellent after four months of treatment,” Raskin said. 

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Sources

Full Committee on Oversight and Accountability. House Committee on Oversight and Reform. Accessed 15 Feb 2023.

“Statement of Congressman Jamie Rasking to the People of Maryland’s 8th District.” Raskin.house.gov. 28 Dec 2022. 

Grayer, Annie. “Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin announces he has ‘serious but curable form of cancer’.” CNN. 28 Dec 2022. 

Raskin, Jamie (@RepRaskin). “Thank you, Marjorie, for this touching message, which my youngest daughter showed me. I’m grateful for your concern and very sorry to learn that you lost your father to cancer. Wishing you happy holidays with loved ones.” Twitter. 29 Dec 2022. 

Delaney,  Arthur. “Jamie Raskin Credits Steven Van Zandt For Bandana Look As He Endures Chemotherapy.” HuffPost. 31 Jan 2023. 

Folley, Aris. “Dems change House rules to allow lawmakers to wear religious headwear.” The Hill. 5 Jan 2019. 

“Raskin Recalls Battle With Cancer in Plea for Medicare for All.” Raskin.house.gov. 29 Apr 2019. 

Capital Digestive Care. “Congressman Jamie Raskin Talks To Us About Surviving Colon Cancer.” Accessed 15 Feb 2023. 

The Recount (@therecount). “House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer (R-KY) recognizes Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) for attending the hearing after being diagnosed with cancer: ‘We’re all rooting for you. We know that you’re gonna win this battle.’ Raskin then gets a round of applause at the hearing.” Twitter. 31 Jan 2023. 

Hutzler, Alexandra. “Raskin dons headwear as he undergoes chemo, receives encouragement from GOP colleague.” ABC News. 1 Feb 2023. 

C-Span. “House Oversight Committee Meets to Consider Its Rules.” 31 Jan 2023. 

National Cancer Institute. “Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.” Accessed 15 Feb 2023. 

Bednar, Mark. Spokesperson for Kevin McCarthy. Email to FactCheck.org. 15 Feb 2023. 

Campbell, Jason (@JasonSCampbell). “Newsmax’s Greg Kelly: ‘Jamie Raskin is suffering. He’s being treated for cancer. We want him to get better, absolutely. I also think he should get a hat – that looks like a durag or a bandana. It’s totally inappropriate and weird.” Twitter. 9 Feb 2023. 

Caygle, Heather (@heatherscope). “Rep. Jamie Raskin gets a standing ovation in Dem Caucus after saying he will push back on Republican efforts to make him take off the cap he’s been wearing as he undergoes chemotherapy. ‘And I will make them take off their toupees,’ Raskin said to Dem cheers.” Twitter. 31 Jan 2023. 

American Association for Cancer Rsearch. “Representative Jamie Raskin: Surviving Colorectal Cancer and Working to Improve the Health of the Nation.” AACR Cancer Progress Report. 2017.