Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

WASHINGTON -- To warm greetings from colleagues, Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy appeared on the floor of the House late Friday to answer a call from Democratic leaders anxious that the voting margin on a major energy and climate-change bill would be too close for comfort.

"It was not a surprise to me'' that the Rhode Island Democrat interrupted his treatment for alcholism and addiction in order to come to the aid of his party, said House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer of Maryland. "Patrick felt that if he was needed, he wanted to be here. He is very passionate about the environment and cleaning up the air and fighting global warming.''

Kennedy checked in for treatment at a medical facility -- the location of which he has not disclosed -- more than two weeks ago. His spokeswoman, Kerrie Bennett, said he decided Friday to return to Washington for a series of votes on the energy bill.

After the evening votes, which began at about 6:35 p.m., Kennedy intended to return to his treatment facility with the hope of returning to full-time work in Washington before the Congress adjourns for its summer recess in August.

Hoyer said the greeting on the House floor for the younger Kennedy, while warm and affectionate, was low-key. "I just saw him and I gave him a hug and of course we're all praying for him and his health,'' Hoyer said in a brief intervew after his concluding speech in defense of the Democcratic-sponsored energy bill. Other members did the same.

Kennedy himself made every effort to keep a low profile and would not make himself available for interviews, Bennett said.

Hoyer said the surprise visit developed after a series of calls between his office and Kennedy's on Thursday and Friday. "We did not in any way want to undermine his health,'' Hoyer said. "That's more important than any one vote.''

But Democrats welcomed Kennedy's help. "He is beloved in our caucus, and there is great empathy for his courage'' in what -- for a public official named Kennedy -- is inevitably a public struggle with addiction, Hoyer said.

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