CHICAGO (AP) – Illinois Sen. Mark Kirk, who suffered a major stroke a year ago that required months of intense physical and speech rehabilitation, will return to work in Washington on Jan. 3, aides said Thursday.

Kirk had indicated previously that he’d be back next month but hadn’t specified a date. His aides confirmed the date on Thursday, saying in a brief statement that the Republican “remains on track to be back when the Senate convenes on Jan. 3rd for the 113th Congress.”

His office provided no other details.