WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Sen. Tim Johnson of South Dakota is making "encouraging and steady progress" as he recovers from a brain hemorrhage and subsequent surgery last month, his office said Thursday.

"Senator Johnson is showing evidence of more functional, spontaneous speech and is indicating preferences," said Philip Marion, medical director for the Department of Rehabilitative Medicine at George Washington University Hospital, in a written statement. "He is answering questions and following commands appropriately."

Johnson remains in the hospital's in-patient rehabilitation unit. He was transferred out of the intensive care unit earlier this month.

While discussing the names of family members with a speech therapist, Johnson offered the name of his youngest grandson, Cooper, when the therapist could not recall it, the statement said.

"He is watching movies with his family and requested to have his television set to CNN during the day. Johnson is also following the Colts' progress in the NFL playoffs and rooting for South Dakota native Adam Vinatieri," it said.