(CNN) - Sen. Ted Kennedy, who was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor nearly two months ago, is weighing whether to return to the Capitol Wednesday afternoon, for the first time since he got sick, to help break a Republican filibuster of an important Medicare bill, a senior Democrat on Capitol Hill told CNN.
The source said Kennedy’s return has been “discussed but is doubtful” because Kennedy’s family is concerned the travel would be too strenuous on the 76 year-old who had surgery to remove the tumor and is now undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatment.
Watch: Kennedy released from the hospital
The vote is scheduled for 4 p.m. so a final decision is expected shortly whether to have Kennedy leave Massachusetts and fly to Washington.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has talked to Kennedy’s wife Vicki twice since Sunday about having Kennedy return for the vote, the source said. Reid “was not pushing, just asking,” the source said.
“The family doesn’t want to do it,” the source said.
A previous vote fell one vote shy of clearing the filibuster just over a week ago. The underlying bill would reverse a 10.6 percent cut in Medicare payments to doctors that will go into effect this month.
Kennedy is chairman of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee and is an influential Democrat on health care issues. Some members of the Democratic leadership think it would be a “great idea” if Kennedy were able to return because it would “buck up” Democratic senators who have worked hard to pass the stalled bill, the source said.
From CNN Politics
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LOST respect for kennedy after he became a judas and did not endorse clinton during the primary.
get well TK...we will prey for you
Wish u all the best and speedy recovery.
Respect this man and hope he will be doing well.
Hope he can retire and have a rest at home.
Why can't he vote via web cam from some Federal office nearby or something?
I suppose he'll cross that bridge when he comes to it.
I understand he made it, and made it on foot. He is a fighter! I pray because he put his self to the side that God will restore his heath double – We need him in the senate!
God Bless him!
With the technology available to day, why can't all representatives vote via secure email? There should be virtually for Ted or Barrack either to miss a vote.
Congerss is better without this joke. He and his family has spounged enough off america already.
Another article says he did make it back- WOW!
I can't believe how despicable Harry Reid is for pressuring Mr. Kennedy to come back to vote on one bill.
If you are only one vote short, you don't have enough support!
Re-do the bill to get the support!
I'm not real fond of Ted Kennedy, his policies or his lack of judgement on just about everything he does.
I do wish him good luck and Godspeed on a fast and complete recovery.
Champion to the little man and underpriviledged godspeed Mr Kennedy. Hope you continue to make a difference.
Super. I'm giddy. Obama won't show to vote. He hasn't done anything since his election why start now.
Time waits for know one and it won't for Ted.
Obama is on the hill voting today. McCain is the presidential candidate who is absent.
With everything the current republican office holders have done to crush the standard of living the U.S.A. and now they want to continue to make it hard on the old folk is just heart breaking. Come on back Ted we need you.
Ted rest stay home get better , thanks for the vote today but take care of yourself first and thanks for all your years of service all the best to you sir !!!
i.dont.think.ted,kennedy,should,not,go,back.to,the,senate
i.wise.him.well,and,take,care,of,him.self
Ted is one of the few kennedy's to survive this long, although I would love to see him in back in the senate, I think he deserves to and should enjoy his end years
Mccain=Bush Mccain=Bush Mccain=Bush Mccain=Bush Mccain=Bush Mccain=Bush Mccain=Bush You Go! 61 year old lady thank you too , you got arested for carring a sign saying Mccain=Bush outside a Mccain town hall meeting WHY ! (yes Obama can ) oh yeah 95% of the time Mccain voted with BUSH
Love you Kennedy you are a true American... we appreciate your vote but we want you healthy!
Get well soon and come back to the Senate with Obama as President!
Ted Kennedy needs to retire!
If you believe some of these comments by Democrats, everything is the Republicans' fault including this Medicare mess! Like the Republicans don't have families with disabilities or parents receiving Medicare and Social Security! Why don't some of you wake up and put the blame on everyone that sits up on that hill–representing all parties?
Glad Ted Kennedy could make it and wish him well. He isn't one of my favorites, but I still respect him and his long service!