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US Senator Mitch McConnell, the 84-year-old Kentucky Republican and former Senate majority leader, has been hospitalized since June 14, with his office providing minimal information about his condition. The prolonged absence has raised questions among some Republicans about whether he will be able to return to his duties in the Senate, where Republicans hold a slim 53-47 majority.

Coverage Comparison

McConnell was admitted to the hospital on June 14, according to a statement from his office that said he was "receiving excellent care," as reported by Al Jazeera, The Guardian, and the Jerusalem Post. His office has not released details about why he was hospitalized or what treatment he is receiving. A statement a week later said he would not be voting that week, and a subsequent statement on Thursday said he "continues to improve" and "appreciates the outpouring of support he's receiving while he continues his recovery in the hospital," as reported by The Guardian and the Jerusalem Post.

McConnell has not voted since June 11, according to Al Jazeera. The Jerusalem Post noted that emergency responders confirmed they performed CPR on an "unconscious individual undergoing cardiac arrest" at McConnell's address, a detail also mentioned by The Guardian, which cited dispatcher calls obtained by several media outlets. Two of McConnell's neighbors told Reuters they saw him being loaded into an ambulance on June 14, as reported by the Jerusalem Post.

McConnell's wife departed for China just three days after his hospitalization for diplomatic and philanthropic events and is still abroad, according to the Jerusalem Post.

Key Claims

  • McConnell was admitted to the hospital on June 14, as reported by Al Jazeera, The Guardian, and the Jerusalem Post.
  • His office said he was "receiving excellent care," according to all three outlets.
  • McConnell has not voted since June 11, as reported by Al Jazeera.
  • Emergency responders performed CPR on an "unconscious individual undergoing cardiac arrest" at McConnell's address, as reported by The Guardian and the Jerusalem Post.
  • McConnell's wife departed for China three days after his hospitalization, as reported by the Jerusalem Post.
  • Some Republicans are speculating about McConnell's condition and questioning the lack of transparency, as reported by Al Jazeera and The Guardian.

Perspectives

Republican Leadership: Senate Majority Leader John Thune, who succeeded McConnell as Republican leader, and Senate Republican whip John Barrasso have both spoken with McConnell by phone, according to statements from their offices reported by The Guardian. Thune's spokesperson said they had a "lengthy and substantive conversation" covering national security. Barrasso's spokesperson said their call lasted roughly 20 minutes, and that McConnell was "fully engaged and is eager to get back to the Senate."

Republican Critics: Some Republicans, including Utah Senator Mike Lee, have expressed frustration over the lack of information. Lee posted on X: "Many of us aren't speaking about Mitch McConnell's condition because we know nothing about his condition," as reported by Al Jazeera. Political commentator and former adviser Scott Jennings said he spoke with McConnell recently and told him they wanted to see him back at work as soon as possible, as reported by Al Jazeera.

McConnell's Office: McConnell's office has provided limited updates, saying he is "receiving excellent care" and that he is "working closely with his staff on Kentucky and Senate matters while the Senate is out of session," as reported by Al Jazeera and the Jerusalem Post. The office has not released any details about the reason for his hospitalization or his treatment.