House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi says she has spoken with Majority Whip Steve Scalise, who was critically wounded in a shooting at a baseball practice more than a month ago, and “he sounded wonderful.”

Pelosi began her weekly news conference on Thursday by discussing the news of Sen. John McCain’s diagnosis of brain cancer. She said she knows the 80-year-old Arizona senator will keep on fighting.

Pelosi said she also let Scalise know of lawmakers’ prayers for his recovery, and she cautioned the Louisiana Republican not to try to return to work too soon. Pelosi also says she sought to comfort his family, “but their strength is a comfort to the rest of us.”

Scalise remains in fair condition in a Washington hospital after several surgeries.

(AP)