Congressman Flood on House Floor: Nebraska Is Praying as Former Senator Ben Sasse Fights Cancer Battle

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Congressman Mike Flood (R-NE) delivered remarks on the House floor honoring U.S. Senator Ben Sasse following the recent news regarding Sasse's cancer diagnosis.

A video of Congressman Flood's remarks can be accessed by clicking here. News outlets are welcome to use the footage for reporting purposes. The full text of Congressman Flood's speech is provided below.

Mister Speaker, I rise today to recognize former U.S. Senator Ben Sasse.

Ben is a Nebraskan, a native, a Fremonter. He lives in our First Congressional District. Early in his career, he served as a Chief of Staff for a previous member of the same district.

Last month, Ben announced that he had been diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer.

This news stunned me, and quite frankly it stunned the world.

Ever since Ben has stepped back from public life following his time in the Senate and at the University of Florida, his intellect and voice have continued to influence conversation across the country.

From education to healthcare and beyond, he's shaped debates in higher ed, politics, journalism, and more through the years.

Ben did all this at a young age, and even though he has a very public profile, he and his wife, Melissa have built a vibrant family - all of this made the cancer diagnosis seem almost unthinkable.

While this is hard news for all of us to hear, we know this isn't the end of the story. Ben has a lot of fight left in him, and as he has joked himself, "he's not dead yet."

From the people of the First District and across Nebraska, Ben, know that we are praying for you. We are with you, with Melissa, and your kids - and I know you won't back down from this fight.

Thank you, Mr Speaker, and I yield back.