Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) spoke with Sen. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) by phone Wednesday night, according to the Minority Leader’s office. Kirk suffered a stroke in January and is recuperating at a Chicago-based rehabilitation center.

According to various statements from doctors throughout the course of his recovery, Kirk is working toward regaining strength and motion in his left arm and leg, though his physical recovery remains uncertain. He has demonstrated full mental and conversational capabilities.

“On Wednesday evening I was able to speak to Sen. Kirk over the phone. I assured him that our staffs were working closely to maintain the interests of Illinois in the U.S. Senate,” McConnell said in a statement. “True to form, Mark was eager to discuss policy and specifically expressed his appreciation for our support in backing his latest initiatives to tighten Iran sanctions. I told him that his colleagues are behind him as he confronts the rigorous physical therapy that he described and we are eager to have him back.”

Kirk has been in contact with his staff, according to previous statements from his supervising doctors, and also has received regular visitors.

Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) visited Kirk at the end of January and Rep. John Shimkus (R-Ill.) stopped by over the weekend. Shimkus said in a statement that Kirk was mentally sharp and preparing to watch the movie “Game Change” about the 2008 presidential election.