Sen. Thad Cochran, R-Miss., returned to Washington, D.C., on Tuesday after being away since mid-September.
“I am pleased to be back in Washington where I look forward to continuing work on the 2018 appropriations bills and to taking part in the debate on the budget and tax cuts,” Cochran said in a statement. “I appreciate all the support and kind words I received while at home.”
Cochran was initially expected to return to Washington on Monday, but his chief of staff said that would be delayed after the senator developed a urinary tract infection. Cochran decided to remain in Mississippi an extra day at the advice of his doctors.
The senator’s office said Tuesday he is still being treated for urological issues and continues to be under medical supervision.
Cochran, who chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee, has been absent from the Senate since the middle of last month, according to the Associated Press. He returned to Washington just as the Senate prepares to vote on the 2018 budget resolution, which will serve as the vehicle for tax reform legislation.
With 52 seats, Republicans hold a slim margin in the Senate. GOP leaders can only afford to have two Republicans vote “no” if it hopes to pass the budget resolution.
