McCain heading back to DC after cancer treatment, recess

PHOENIX — U.S. Sen. John McCain’s office said he will return to work in Washington, D.C. next week after undergoing cancer treatment in Arizona.

“Sen. McCain will return to the U.S. Senate next week as Congress begins a new legislative session and looks forward to continuing his work for the people of Arizona and the nation,” his office said in the one-sentence statement.

Earlier this month, the senator — who had been diagnosed with an aggressive type of brain cancer — said his treatments were going well.

“My health is fine. I’m working hard,” he said of his treatments during an interview with KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Mac & Gaydos.

McCain did not miss any work while undergoing treatment. Congress left the nation’s capitol Aug. 4 for its annual August recess.

The legislative body was scheduled to return the Tuesday after Labor Day.

McCain will likely take the lead as the Senate was expected to debate the National Defense Authorization Act, which sets the annual budget for the Department of Defense.

The senator will also likely be involved in some political wheeling and dealing, as Congress needs to either pass a budget or continuing resolution to avoid a federal government shutdown by Sept. 30.