Mitch McConnell rolled back into the Capitol on Monday in a wheelchair. The Kentucky Republican had not voted in the Senate since June 11. A fall at home sent him to the hospital days later. His return ended months of silence about his health.
Mitch McConnell returns to Capitol Hill after a June fall, hospitalization, and rehab
Mitch McConnell briefly spoke to journalists outside the Senate chamber. He joked about his long absence from the press. “After two years — two decades — of dodging your questions, I wasn’t sure how many of you would be here today,” he said. “So I am glad to see you. It is time to get back to work and finish the job for this Congress.”
The senator said he looked forward to resuming his duties. “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’s return came as the Senate reconvened after a five-week break. Lawmakers now enter a final legislative stretch before November’s midterm elections. McConnell is not seeking re-election. His term expires in January. After all, he admitted he has not fully recovered.
“My recovery has been a long and often frustrating process, and the lingering effects of childhood polio haven’t made it any easier,” he 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.”
McConnell was hospitalized on June 14 after falling at home. His office later said he received treatment for mild pneumonia. He spent weeks in inpatient rehabilitation. On August 6, he announced he would continue recovery at home. His absence covered six weeks of Senate business.
The senator outlined his priorities. He said he would focus on the farm bill, which stalled in committee during his absence. He also stressed his interest in NATO.
(Source: BBC)
