Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) returned to Congress last week for the first time since suffering a stroke in late January.

He received a warm welcome and a standing ovation from his Senate colleagues, according to KRQE.

Luján attended a nomination hearing in the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, according to Yahoo. “It’s an absolute honor to be back,” he said. “To every one of you that sent me notes, that sent videos, and all the prayers, it worked. And it’s good to be back.”

Luján, 49, was hospitalized on Jan. 27 after experiencing dizziness and fatigue, KRQE said. Doctors diagnosed a minor stroke in his cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls balance. Luján underwent surgery to ease the swelling and vowed to make a full recovery.

“I’m going to beat this, and I’m going to be stronger once I come out,” the New Mexico senator vowed last month, according to Yahoo. He promised to return to work before the Senate holds a vote on President Joe Biden’s Supreme Court nominee.

Luján's appearance at the Senate hearing helped advance two of Biden’s nominees to the Federal Communications Commission and the Federal Trade Commission, Yahoo said.