Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) returned to the Capitol on Monday and cast his first vote in more than three months following a fall that left him briefly unconscious.
“Today, I’ll cast my first Senate vote since I took a bad fall back in June,” McConnell said in a statement. “I’m really looking forward to being back on the Senate floor and seeing my colleagues.”
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.
“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.”
The senator made clear that Monday’s vote would not be a one-time appearance.
“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.
McConnell’s prolonged absence had prompted questions about his health. In July, Kentucky Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear sent McConnell a letter to McConnell saying 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.”
“As Governor, I request that you fully update Kentuckians regarding the current status of your health,” Beshear wrote.
McConnell shared a photo from his hospital bed in July and said he continued working with his legislative staff during his recovery. He also said doctors had determined that he had not suffered broken bones, a concussion, a heart attack, a stroke, tumors, or hemorrhages. McConnell said he contracted “a mild case of pneumonia” during his hospital stay.
He was later transferred to a rehabilitation facility and returned home in August to continue undergoing physical therapy.
McConnell has announced that he will not seek re-election. His seventh and final Senate term ends in January 2027.
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