Sen. Mitch McConnell is expected to return to Capitol Hill next week after health issues caused a prolonged absence that led to rampant speculation that he was dying or even dead.
Mr. McConnell, 84, has been absent from the Senate since he suffered a fall in mid-June, resulting in his hospitalization and a stint in a physical rehabilitation facility.
The fall left him briefly unconscious. He later developed pneumonia.
Senate Republicans are prepping for the Kentucky Republican’s return for the short September work period, Punchbowl News reported Thursday.
Other lawmakers, including House Oversight Chair James Comer, a fellow Kentucky Republican, said that Mr. McConnell’s staff indicated he would be back after the summer recess.
Senate GOP leaders reported having phone conversations with Mr. McConnell, stating he is fully engaged, coherent and eager to return to work.
Still, the silence from his office about Mr. McConnell’s status sparked intense public rumors and “proof of life” questions.
In July, his office released a statement and a photo with his wife, Elaine Chao.
He was discharged from the rehabilitation facility in early August and was expected to continue intensive physical therapy at home.
Mr. McConnell has not made an in-person public appearance or video statement since the incident.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, a Democrat, criticized the lack of direct communication from Mr. McConnell, calling on him to reassure the public or consider stepping down if he lacks the capacity to serve.
“I’ve still heard absolutely nothing from the senator,” Mr. Beshear said this week. “He has been absent from work for about three months now, which is unacceptable. He’s been unwilling to go to camera, to call in to any news program, just to let people know he’s OK or show that he has the capacity to serve.”
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