On Sunday, Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said he will not return to the Senate floor to vote “quite yet,” citing medical advice as he continues to recover from injuries sustained in a fall last month.
McConnell Says Recovery ‘Takes Time’
“As much as it frustrates me, this process takes time. And on the advice of my doctors, I won’t be able to return to the Senate floor to vote quite yet,” McConnell said in a statement.
The 84-year-old lawmaker highlighted that his absence from the Capitol does not mean he has stepped away from his responsibilities.
“But rest assured that, in the meantime, I’m not taking a break from the Senate business that matters to you,” he said, adding that he has been working with his legislative staff, assisting Kentucky constituents and staying in touch with Senate colleagues on appropriations, midterm politics and other legislative priorities.
McConnell has not cast a Senate vote since June 11 and has been hospitalized for more than four weeks after falling at his Washington home on June 14, according to The Hill.
Hospital Stay And Senate Impact
According to his physician’s office, McConnell’s fall was linked to mobility issues stemming from childhood polio. Doctors said he suffered minor injuries and showed no signs of fractures, stroke, cardiac abnormalities, tumors or hemorrhaging.
He also developed pneumonia early during his hospitalization, but the condition responded quickly to antibiotics.
His treatment has since focused on intensive physical therapy and reducing the risk of future falls and he has been medically cleared to continue rehabilitation.
McConnell’s extended absence comes as lawmakers consider the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal 2027, the annual bill that sets military policy and authorizes Pentagon funding.
McConnell’s absence, combined with the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C) has reduced Republican strength on the closely divided Senate Appropriations Committee, making it harder to advance defense spending bills without Democratic support.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo: Consolidated News Photos/Shutterstock
