Sen. Mitch McConnell returned to the Senate on Monday, casting his first vote since he took a serious fall in June.
The 84-year-old Kentucky Republican’s return came exactly three months after his June 14 fall, which led to a prolonged hospitalization and rehabilitation.
An aide pushed him in a wheelchair around the Capitol, which was also common before his June fall, but he appeared more frail than he had before his absence.
Mr. McConnell has not provided any details about his condition during his absence nor has he addressed the public beyond vague statements from his office, fueling conspiracy theories that he was incapacitated or even dead.
He put out a statement Monday evening addressing his return after what he called “a bad fall.”
“My recovery has been a long and often frustrating process, and the lingering effects of childhood polio haven’t made it any easier,” Mr. McConnell said.
The senator suggested he may not be regularly present in the Senate in the coming weeks as he is “still not quite back to 100%.”
“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,” he said.
Monday’s vote to advance one of President Trump’s judicial nominees was not one of the tough ones, just the first opportunity for Mr. McConnell to make an appearance as the Senate returned from its summer recess.
Mr. McConnell added that he and his wife Elaine Chao are grateful for the well wishes from fellow Kentuckians.
“I’m glad to get back to more of business as usual on their behalf this month,” he said.
Outside of the statement, Mr. McConnell made a brief comment to reporters in the Capitol about it being “time to get back to work, finish the job for this Congress.”
The former Senate majority leader is retiring in January after 42 years serving in the Senate.
He said he looks forward to working on the farm bill, which is scheduled for a redo vote in committee this week after failing to advance during his absence, and aiding NATO allies in the fight against Russia.
Contact the author
Please read our comment policy before commenting.