Ted Kennedy Back At Work In Senate

Democratic Icon Currently Battling Brain Cancer Heads Back To Capitol Hill

(AP)  Sen. Edward Kennedy, who is fighting a malignant brain tumor, returned to work in the Senate on Monday for the first time since July.

Kennedy, D-Mass., was greeted by a rousing cheer from his staff on Capitol Hill as the Senate returned for a brief session to deal with the economic crisis.

"I feel fine," Kennedy said shortly before a luncheon meeting with about 100 staffers in the Senate's cavernous Russell Caucus Room. "I'm looking forward to the session and we've got a lot of work to do."

Aides strung a large blue-and-white banner reading "Welcome Back Senator" across the room, which is usually used for hearings.

Kennedy, 76, was accompanied by his wife, Vicki, and their two dogs, Splash and Sunny. Though he walked with a cane in his right hand, Kennedy's voice was strong and he appeared to be in good spirits.

The senator noted he and his wife were grateful for the many prayers and good wishes he had received.

Kennedy said he was looking forward to working on an economic stimulus package and was optimistic he can help forge a breakthrough on health care reform with President-elect Barack Obama in the White House.

"I'm looking forward, particularly, to working with Barack Obama on health care," said Kennedy, who has championed health care reform during his long Senate career. "We're hopeful this will be a prime item on the agenda. ... The president-elect has indicated that this was going to be a priority."

Kennedy had a seizure in May and underwent surgery in June for the brain tumor. After undergoing chemotherapy and radiation, he has increased his public activity. He spent time recovering at his Cape Cod home, and returned to Washington late last month.

In July, he made a surprise return to Capitol Hill to vote on a Medicare bill.

Kennedy is expected to be on hand Tuesday morning when Senate Democrats gather to choose their party leaders, a Kennedy spokesman said.

Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., said he had spoken to Kennedy.

"I know Teddy's excited," Kerry said. "I've talked to him about it. He's pumped and ready to go. It's really a tribute to his determination and his courage and the fight he has displayed throughout this process."

[phoenix357-2009]

When they were in prodding and poking old Teddy Ks brain a few weeks back , they should of poked it a little touche'' more to see if a light '' litz-up'' about the Chappaquiddick incident and Mary Jo. Kinda'' like that Doctor game where the buzzer goes off when you touch the side of the opening when trying to remove the funny-bone!

[dante805]

Just when we thought it was safe. T.K. comes back into town to sell-out the American people. Just stay at home Teddy. You are not needed in Washington at all. Retire Now and stop embarassing yourself.

[gop_will_win]

This is newsworthy because it involves a liberal getting back to work. Its unusual.

I pray that this great American will live to see the health Care Reform that is coming and I hope they name it for him. Hang in there Ted.

[vatofla]

Welcome Back Ted!

[leighg1]

Dear Sen. Kennedy,
Take care and we would like to see you work for us ordinary folks for another term!

A Californian

[erich_1-2009]

"Give it a few years and you will agree with me."

My first vote was for President Carter.
It''s been a few years and I do not agree with you.
I say, Never again!

[erich_1-2009]

The Senate of the United States of America

equals

old Senators Republicans and Democrats who are Felons and Lady Killers.

An average person? Fired!

[yvonne113]

welcome back Mr. K
mind over matter shows the power to complete what you have started. thank you. as for some of you guys making those harsh comments show you only have a fraction of a brain, science shows we only us a portion anyway. how fitting yours works on a gram lol

[edward1975-2009]

Teddy was useless before the tumor, retire you sad man, enjoy the rest of your life with your family and favorite bartender. But for heavens sake leave.

[nocatnowaco]

If the Democrats have said that the 72 years old McCain is too old, what do you think about the 76 years old Kennedy with a brain tumor problem?

[imrobbie]

shurch4truth: You have coined a new , but very accurate word: "pervisive," a combination of "pervasive" and "divisive." How accurate, when describing Ted Kennedy. - I thought he might be retiring to his second job: that of Designated Driver, specializing in taking young girls home from parties.

[hollybb2]

Just don''t let him drive you home!!!

[txgrouch2007]

How fitting that Ted Kennedy enjoys the privilege of spending his final days basking in the glory of absolute power for the Democrats starting next year.

Someone please remind me - what is it that absolute power does to people?

Who better than Ted Kennedy to lead his party in its inevitable pell-mell rush to meet its destiny.

Somehow, the Democrats will make the last 8 years look like a church picnic...

[human-being-2009]

Rowdydfw, If you may allow me disagree with you. His decision had nothing to do with ''his peevish attitude and jealousy of a successful Clinton presidency'' as you put it. This man did this out of his conscience and principle. He knows what American needs at this point. He knows what goes in in Washington far mauch more than you do simply by listening to the Sean/Rush hate talk. Give it a few years and you will agree with me.

[FHMullane]

He looks great. He may be old but he looks and sounds fit.

[rose_thorn]

I find it odd that senate and congress have to "fight" for us to have healthcare when they GAVE the "finest healthcare package this country has to offer" to themselves for all these years that they are "fighting" for US. Who are they fighting but each other. They gave to themselves FIRST when they were supposed to be representing US. Now they fight each other over US having it? Yes. Oh.

[pdsi]

Good for you Teddy! Stay around for a couple of more terms.