House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) called the news that syndicated columnist Robert Novak had been diagnosed with a brain tumor “stunning” in a statement on Monday.

“This is stunning news for anyone who follows American politics, and my thoughts and prayers go out to Bob and his family. I know Bob will confront this challenge with the same courage with which he has taken on the political establishment in Washington for decades. And with God’s help, he will prevail in this fight,” Boehner said.

House GOP Whip Roy Blunt (Mo.) praised Novak for his “track record of reporting and commenting on the American political landscape” with “keen insight and a peerless political acumen. I want to join the many wishing Bob all the best as he confronts this challenge and a speedy recovery as he looks to resume his work.”

Novak made headlines last week after hitting a pedestrian with his Corvette in downtown Washington and driving away. He was stopped by a cyclist a block away and later told a reporter, “I didn’t know I hit him.” The victim was not seriously hurt.