House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R., La.) is set to return to work when Congress reconvenes in September after the August recess concludes, according to a fellow Louisiana congressman.
Republican Rep. Garret Graves said that Scalise's recovery has been long and complicated, but he is determined to return to work come September, WWL.com reported Monday.
"He's coming back next month. So we will see how that goes," Graves said. "He may be fighting off doctors at the hospital to come."
But Scalise's office told the Washington Free Beacon that the congressman is focusing on in-patient rehabilitation and there is no update to share at this time regarding his return to work.
"Right now, the whip is focused on his in-patient rehabilitation," said Chris Bond, Scalise's communications director. "We will issue updates on his progress and timing as appropriate, but there is no update to share at this time. He is very grateful for the continued prayers and support from folks throughout the country, and he's looking forward to coming back to work once he is ready."
Scalise was shot in the hip in June when a gunman who held strong anti-Republican views opened fire on a GOP congressional baseball practice in Alexandria, Va.
Scalise has undergone multiple surgeries and experienced complications due to skeletal injuries to his hip and leg, as well as soft-tissue and organ damage to his abdomen.
He has moved to a recovery hospital in Washington, which indicates an upward trend in Scalise's recovery.
"Steve is a fighter. His attitude and spirits have remained very high," Graves said.
UPDATED 4:10 P.M.: This post was updated to reflect comment from Scalise's office and clarify that a timeline for his return only came from Graves' comments.