| | Kennedy returns to Senate, pushes health-care legislation
 Sen. Ted Kennedy, who is battling brain cancer, was back at work in Congress Monday for the first time since July, vowing to fight for healthcare reform.
Kennedy, 76, showed up for work as the chamber opened for a "lame duck" session to discuss a raft of economic rescue measures.
"I am grateful for the prayers and good wishes I've received over the past several months," Kennedy said in a statement.
"They have certainly lifted my spirits, as has the election of Barack Obama as our 44th president."
Kennedy said he would lay the groundwork for one of his signature issues, healthcare reform, for when Obama takes office in January.
The Massachusetts senator, first elected in 1962, made a high profile endorsement of Obama during the primary campaign and gave an emotional address at the Democratic National Convention in August.
Kennedy underwent surgery for a malignant brain tumor in June after suffering a seizure. He made a brief appearance in the chamber in July.
He is the last surviving brother of the famed political dynasty which includes former president John F. Kennedy and his brother Robert F. Kennedy, a presidential candidate. Both were assassinated.
Kennedy's full statement follows:
"It’s good to be back in the Senate. I am particularly looking forward to seeing my staff and my colleagues and to working in the current brief session on a realistic new stimulus package to help our fellow Americans who are suffering in this economic crisis."
"I will also continue to lay the ground work for early action by Congress on health reform when President Obama takes office in January. We’ve been making real progress in our discussions about a consensus approach, and I’m optimistic we’ll succeed."
"I am grateful for the prayers and good wishes I’ve received over the past several months. They have certainly lifted my spirits, as has the election of Barack Obama as our 44th President."
This video is from CNN Newsroom, broadcast Nov. 17, 2008.
Download video via RawReplay.com
(with wire reports)
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