Mitch McConnell Returns to Senate After Three-Month Absence

<p>Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) returned to the Capitol on Monday and cast his first vote in over three months following a fall that left him briefly unconscious.</p><p>“Today, I’ll cast my first Senate vote since I took a bad fall back in June,” McConnell stated. “I’m really looking forward to being back on the Senate floor and seeing my colleagues.”</p><p>McConnell, 84, entered the Senate chamber in a wheelchair and voted on a judicial nomination. He had not voted since June 11, three days before he was hospitalized following the fall at his Washington home.</p><p>“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. “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.”</p><p>The senator indicated that Monday's vote would not be a one-time appearance.</p><p>“Elaine and I are very grateful for all the continued well wishes from our fellow Kentuckians, and I’m glad to get back to more of business as usual on their behalf this month,” he said.</p><p>McConnell's prolonged absence had raised questions about his health. In July, Kentucky Democratic Governor Andy Beshear sent a letter to McConnell expressing that his constituents “have grown increasingly concerned about the current state of your health and wellbeing, and ability to hold office in the United States Senate.”</p><p>“As Governor, I request that you fully update Kentuckians regarding the current status of your health,” Beshear wrote.</p><p>McConnell shared a photo from his hospital bed in July and stated he continued working with his legislative staff during his recovery. He also mentioned that doctors had determined he had not suffered broken bones, a concussion, a heart attack, a stroke, tumors, or hemorrhages. McConnell reported contracting “a mild case of pneumonia” during his hospital stay.</p><p>He was later transferred to a rehabilitation facility and returned home in August to continue undergoing physical therapy.</p><p>McConnell has announced that he will not seek re-election. His seventh and final Senate term ends in January 2027.</p>