When the new Congress is sworn in today the Senate will be welcoming back a familiar face. Illinois Republican Mark Kirk will be making his triumphant return to Capitol Hill. He's still recovering from a major stroke suffered almost a year ago. Kirk had to learn how to walk again and this morning, he will be walking up the steps of the U.S. Capitol Building. The 53-year old Kirk is expected to be met at the steps by Vice President Joe Biden and fellow Illinois Senator Dick Durbin. That should happen around 11:30 Eastern. As president of the Senate, Biden gets to swear-in that side of the Hill. House Speaker John Boehner [[ BAY-nur ]] will swear-in the new House.

Kirk uses a cane with four prongs to walk but will rely on a wheelchair on long distance excursions in the Capitol according to his communications director Lance Trover. Kirk is also now blind in one eye.