Byrd’s office says he will not return to Senate this week, but hospital release expected soon

Byrd expected to be released soon from hospital

WASHINGTON — Sen. Robert Byrd’s office says the ailing lawmaker does not plan to return to work this week, but that he’s expected to be released from the hospital in the near future.

The 91-year-old West Virginia Democrat, who is the longest-serving senator, is undergoing physical therapy as he recovers from a staph infection.

His office has released scant details about his monthlong illness, declining even to say where he is receiving treatment.

The latest update says he’s in high spirits and has asked Appropriations Committee Chairman Daniel Inouye to fill in for him this week at a meeting to draft the 2010 Homeland Security spending bill.