Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La., the House Majority Whip who was shot in an attack on a congressional baseball team practice in Virginia in June, said he is anxious to return home from a rehabilitation facility.
Scalise received an award from the Louisiana Family Forum, and sent an audio message from the hospital that was played at the awards event, according to The Advocate.
"I wish I could be there in person, but I'm still recovering at a rehabilitation hospital and I can tell you, I cannot wait until the day that I can get back home," Scalise said.
He recorded a similar message for another event he could not attend, his spokesperson, Lauren Fine, told the Washington Examiner.
The attendees at the Louisiana Family Forum gala gave a standing ovation after Scalise's message was played, The Advocate reported.
Scalise's spokeswoman said he will return to the Capitol when his doctors allow him to do so, the Examiner reported.
During his recovery, New Orleans restaurants are lining up to deliver meals to Scalise, according to The Advocate.