Sen. Edward Kennedy, his wife Victoria Reggie Kennedy, and dogs Sunny and Splash, arrive on Capitol Hill, 17 Nov, 2008

U.S. Senator Edward Kennedy, a Democratic Party leader who is suffering from brain cancer, has returned to Washington to work on the issue of health care reform.

Senator Kennedy released a statement Monday, saying he would lay the groundwork for early action by Congress on health reform after President-elect Barack Obama takes office in January.

Kennedy also said he was grateful for the prayers and good wishes he has received in recent months.

The Massachusetts senator, who was first elected in 1962, underwent surgery in June for a malignant brain tumor. He made a brief appearance in the Senate in July, and delivered a speech supporting Mr. Obama at the Democratic National Convention in August.

Two of his brothers, President John F. Kennedy and Senator Robert Kennedy, were assassinated in the 1960s. Another brother, Joseph Kennedy, was killed while serving in World War II. 

Some information for this report was provided by AFP and Reuters.