U.S.Attorney General Michael Mukasey (file photo)

U.S. Attorney General Michael Mukasey says he feels fine and is returning to work, less than a day after collapsing while giving a speech in Washington.

Mukasey made the comment in an e-mail to Justice Department staff, Friday.

The 67-year-old was released from a Washington hospital today, following an overnight stay.  He smiled and waved to reporters and onlookers as he left the facility to return to the Justice Department.

Doctors have given him a "clean bill of health".

A Justice Department spokeswoman told reporters that doctors have ruled out a stroke or heart attack.  She says it appears Mukasey, the top U.S. law enforcement official, suffered a fainting spell Thursday evening.

A video of the incident shows Mukasey pausing as he delivers a speech, then slurring his words before fainting and briefly losing conciousness.  He was assisted by his security detail before paramedics arrived.

Mukasey was rushed to George Washington University hospital.

The White House says President George Bush spoke to Mukasey early Friday, and said that the attorney general sounded well and is getting excellent care.

Mukasey took over the Justice Department a year ago from Alberto Gonzales, who resigned as attorney general following claims that the department used improper political influence under his control.

Some information for this report was provided by AP.