Republican Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky has been released from a rehabilitation center and will continue his recovery at home. Initially hospitalized on June 14, he later revealed his hospitalization resulted from a fall and noted that he is engaging in physical therapy.
At 84, McConnell has not yet specified when he will return to the Capitol. Senators are expected to vacate Washington for the August recess soon, and no votes are anticipated in the coming five weeks after adjournment. In a statement, McConnell mentioned, “On the advice of my doctors, I’ll maintain an intensive regimen of physical therapy from home during the state work period, and I’ll continue to engage with my staff and colleagues on important Senate business.”
Having dealt with polio in early childhood, McConnell has faced challenges with walking and climbing stairs as an adult. The Office of the Attending Physician indicated he is undergoing rigorous physical therapy and rehabilitation, with multiple sessions daily aimed at restoring strength and minimizing future fall risks. McConnell remains committed to completing his seventh term, ending in January.
His absence has impacted the Senate, as Republicans recently faced challenges advancing a farm bill out of committee. Senator John Boozman of Arkansas, the committee’s chairman, shared that he had spoken with McConnell about the bill. “I know how much he would have wanted to be here to advocate for Kentucky’s farmers and rural communities,” Boozman remarked during the committee meeting.
Despite these developments, there has been criticism regarding McConnell’s transparency about his health. Andy Beshear, the Democratic governor of Kentucky, has urged McConnell to demonstrate his fitness to continue serving following his hospital stay or consider resignation.
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