Sen. Mitch McConnell returned to the Senate on Monday for the first time since his June hospitalization, casting his first vote after a three-month absence that drew criticism and online speculation about his health.
The 84-year-old Kentucky Republican arrived at the Capitol in a wheelchair, appearing visibly thinner and speaking more slowly than before his absence, as reported by multiple outlets. In a statement, McConnell said: "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 was hospitalized on June 14 after a fall at his Washington home. He did not initially disclose the reason for the hospitalization, leading to weeks of speculation. In July, he revealed he had been "briefly unconscious" and later contracted mild pneumonia. His recovery, he said, has been "a long and often frustrating process," complicated by the lingering effects of childhood polio.
"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," McConnell said in a statement released as he traveled to the Capitol.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said he is "hopeful" he can rely on McConnell's presence at votes, adding, "as much as he can do, we welcome having him here." Thune noted they spoke recently and that McConnell was "asking a lot of questions about the campaigns" and remained "dialed into all that stuff."
McConnell briefly spoke to reporters upon arrival, saying it's "time to get back to work," and pointed to passing the annual farm bill and aiding Ukraine in its war against Russia. He did not answer questions, including whether he should have been more transparent about his health during his absence. In a light-hearted aside, he remarked, "I must admit, after two years — two decades, actually — dodging your questions, I wasn’t sure how many of you would be here today, but I’m glad to see you." Senate staff told reporters not to take video of his second-floor hallway remarks, though still images were allowed.
A three-month absence with political consequences
McConnell's absence, the longest of his 41-year Senate career, had tangible effects on Republican legislative efforts. He missed 60 roll-call votes, and Republicans were unable to advance a farm bill out of committee over the summer. His return could give GOP leaders a needed vote as they try to advance legislation on cryptocurrency regulation and college sports.
The absence also coincided with a broader public debate about the age and capacity of lawmakers. Speculation about McConnell's condition grew so intense that Kentucky's Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear took the extraordinary step of issuing a public letter asking McConnell to update the public in a "transparent manner." Beshear told CBS News's "Face the Nation" that McConnell's "boss are the people of Kentucky" and that anyone gone from work for three months would owe a direct explanation; he said if McConnell was not willing to communicate, he should resign.
McConnell, who is not running for reelection, is set to retire at the end of January after deciding last year not to seek another term. Republicans have nominated Rep. Andy Barr to replace him in the November election, while Democrats have nominated former state lawmaker Charles Booker.
Health history and public disclosure
McConnell is a childhood polio survivor and has long acknowledged difficulty walking and climbing stairs. The attending physician of Congress, in a note included in McConnell's July statement, described the injuries from his June fall as "minor" and said McConnell "has experienced several falls throughout the year that have been attributed to his post-polio condition."
McConnell announced on August 6 that he would continue his recovery at home after a stint in a rehabilitation facility. He said he would maintain "an intensive regimen of physical therapy from home" and continue to engage with staff and colleagues on Senate business. During his recovery, he released three written updates and two photos distributed by his staff but made no public appearances.
In July, McConnell indirectly addressed the delay in disclosing the details of his hospitalization, saying, "You all know how folks of my generation often hesitate to share the vulnerability that comes with growing older." He added, "You're right to expect your representatives to work hard for you. And part of my decision to retire at the end of my term this coming January was being honest about the demands of Senate work. But I still have unfinished business to complete on your behalf, and I have every intention of finishing the job you elected me to do."
McConnell, first elected to the Senate in 1984 and Republican leader from 2007 until last year, has said he is determined to finish out his term, which ends in January.