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Sen. Kennedy returns to D.C. for surprise visit and vote / Video

4:25 PM Wed, Jul 09, 2008 | Permalink
By Susan Areson

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WASHINGTON -- The Senate burst into spontaneous ovation minutes ago when Sen. Edward M. Kennedy made his first appearance since being stricken in May with symptoms of what proved to be a malignant brain tumor.

The business at hand was a bill to restore cuts in Medicare payments to doctors. As the roll was called, through "Mr. Reed of Rhode Island,'' and "Mr. Reid of Nevada,'' the white-maned Massachusetts Democrat entered the Senate chamber in the Capitol.

The roll call stopped as senators and onlookers in the galleries above burst into applause and cheers.

Kennedy embraced colleagues, walked to the well of the Senate and raised his hand.

"Aye!'' he could be heard to say, signifying his vote for the bill and raising two thumbs up.

Video: See the Senate's response as Kennedy arrives today.

-- John E. Mulligan, Journal Washington Bureau