WASHINGTON--More details are emerging on the return of Sen. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) to the Senate chamber on Thursday after being absent nearly a year because of a stroke. On Sunday, I reported that if all goes as planned, Kirk plans to walk up the Senate steps to be greeted by Vice President Joe Biden.

It turns out that in addition, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nv.) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) sent a "Dear Colleague" letter on Monday inviting the entire Senate to also hail his return on the steps.

"As you know, Senator Mark Kirk has been working very hard to return to the Senate after suffering a serious stroke," the letter says. "He has spent many months in intensive therapy in order to walk again. On January 3, he will return to the Capitol.

"Many members, from both sides of the aisle, have been a real encouragement to Senator Kirk during this time. We intend to welcome him back to his duties in the Senate at 11:30 a.m. on January 3. Please join us in welcoming him back to the chamber. We will gather on the East Front steps of the Senate at 11:25 a.m. to demonstrate our support as Senator Kirk returns to the Senate."

Members of the Illinois House delegation are also expected at the event.

Thursday is the return of Kirk to the Senate chamber; he has been at his Senate office.

My column on Kirk's Senate homecoming is HERE.