Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) returned to the Senate floor on Monday and cast his first vote since a fall at his Washington, D.C. home in June left him hospitalized with pneumonia. McConnell’s vote proved decisive in advancing one of President Trump’s judicial nominees.
McConnell was rushed to the hospital on June 14 and later moved to a rehabilitation facility. His office initially gave little public information about his condition, prompting weeks of speculation. On July 12, McConnell and his wife, Elaine Chao, released a written statement along with a photo intended to confirm he was alive and recovering. A second update followed on July 27, alongside a statement from the Congressional Office of the Attending Physician noting McConnell had not yet been cleared to resume full duties. No further statement from that office has been issued since.
Speaking to reporters as he arrived on Capitol Hill, McConnell appeared frailer and spoke more slowly than before his fall, but engaged directly with the press corps.
“I must admit, after two years, two decades, actually dodging your questions, I wasn’t sure how many of you would be here today, but I’m glad to see you,” McConnell said. “Time to get back to work, finish the job for this Congress. I’m here to work on the farm bill… As I think you know, I have an ongoing issue in NATO and backing up our good friends who are totally in the fight against the Russians.”
In a statement posted to his account on X, McConnell described the recovery process in blunt terms.
“My recovery has been a long and often frustrating process, and the lingering effects of childhood polio haven’t made it any easier. 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. Elaine and I are very grateful for all the continued well wishes from our fellow Kentuckians, and I’m glad to get back to more of business as usual on their behalf this month.”
Footage from CNN showed McConnell being wheeled from his home to a car before heading to the Capitol, and later being greeted on the Senate floor by Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-OH) and other colleagues as he returned to the chamber for the first time since June 11.
The senator’s absence had drawn public criticism from Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D), who had written to McConnell’s office pressing for information on his condition during the period when little was disclosed.
Congress remains in session through the end of September before recessing in early October ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. Lawmakers are expected to take up a government funding bill, a farm bill, legislation on cryptocurrency, and a bill addressing college sports, among other measures McConnell indicated he intends to be present for.
McConnell did not seek reelection. His current term, which ends in January 2027, will be his last in the Senate.
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