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Mitch McConnell Returns to Senate After Months-Long Absence
Confirmed
In Short: Mitch McConnell has returned to the Senate after a three-month absence, casting his first vote since being hospitalized for a fall.
Democratic Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear took the extraordinary step of issuing a public letter asking McConnell to update the public in a "transparent manner." McConnell's absence was also felt over the summer, as Republicans were unable to advance a farm bill out of committee.
McConnell entered the Senate chamber in a wheelchair and cast his first vote on a judicial nomination. In brief comments to reporters before he voted, he said, "Time to get back to work, finish the job for this Congress." The Kentucky Republican, 84, last voted on June 11.
McConnell's return comes after he was hospitalized for a fall at his home in Washington, D.C., and was discharged from a rehabilitation center nearly two months later. His office stated that he was "fully engaged" with his staff, and a handful of top Republicans said they had spoken to him by phone.
What's confirmed
- “My recovery has been a long and often frustrating process, and the lingering effects of childhood polio haven’t made it any easier," McConnell said in a statement Monday.
- Mitch McConnell of Kentucky has returned to the Senate after a long absence.
- "Today, I'll cast my first Senate vote since I took a bad fall back in June. I'm really looking forward to being back on the Senate floor and seeing my colleagues," McConnell said in a statement ahead of his return.
- McConnell entered the Senate chamber in a wheelchair and cast a vote on a judicial nomination.
What's still developing
- His three-month absence from the Senate generated a flood of criticism and online speculation, as the Kentucky senator initially remained quiet for weeks about his condition.
- In a statement Monday McConnell said his recovery has been a “long and often frustrating process.” FILE - Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., offers remarks following the Senate Republicans policy luncheon at the Capitol, July 30, 2024, in Washington.
- “I’m still not quite back to 100%, but I’ve assured Leader Thune that, as I continue with physical therapy on the advice of my doctors, I will do my best to be present for tough votes when our Conference needs me.” The concerns over McConnell’s absence highlighted increasing public concern about the age of lawmakers and their capacity to carry out their duties.
- The prolonged absence comes after McConnell, a childhood polio survivor, has faced a number of health scares in recent years.
- In a statement issued before his remarks, McConnell made clear that he may still miss some votes due to his health issues.
- McConnell was first elected to the Senate in 1984 and was the Republican leader from 2007 until last year, serving as both majority and minority leader during that period.
- Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., speaks to reporters at the U.S.