House Majority Whip Steve Scalise recently received a special visitor to the hospital in which he is recovering: U2 lead singer, Bono. The Irish singer and philanthropist visited and signed a get well card for the Congressman on Wednesday. Last week, Scalise and several other Republican politicians were injured after a shooter opened fire at a Congressional baseball practice in Alexandria, Va. Scalise–who sustained injuries to his hip–is currently recovering at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, says NBC Washington.
Politico reporter Kyle Cheney shared a statement via Twitter, explaining Bono’s official reason for visiting the Capitol. Ian Koski of The ONE Campaign wrote, “Bono…is on Capitol Hill meeting with Republican and Democratic lawmakers from both chambers about fully funding the International Affairs account in the FY18 budget.”
Statement from Bono spokesman on why he's at the Capitol. pic.twitter.com/d5qRvEHmir
— Kyle Cheney (@kyledcheney) June 21, 2017
Ever the diplomat, Bono has long tried to foster better relations between Democrats and Republicans. In February, he praised Vice President Mike Pence for his efforts to curb HIV/AIDS in Africa–and subsequently caught flack from his more liberal fans, due to Pence’s record of supporting so-called gay conversion therapy and opposing programs to prevent the spread of HIV. When U2 performed in Los Angeles in May for its 30th annual “Joshua Tree” tour, Bono addressed the politically-divided audience by asserting, “The party of Lincoln, the party of Kennedy, you are welcome here.”