After weeks of silence, Senator Mitch McConnell’s staff has issued a new statement addressing Americans’ growing concerns about his hospitalization and subsequent absence from the Senate.
In the Saturday statement, McConnell’s senior advisor David Popp reported that the senator continues to meet with his staff behind closed doors on matters including defense appropriations, foreign policy, the farm bill, constituent services, and federal grant requests. Popp also confirmed that McConnell remains in rehabilitation, adding he “continues to improve” and will provide updates as appropriate.
McConnell has been absent from Capitol Hill for approximately six weeks since being hospitalized on June 14 after reportedly being found unconscious at home. The prolonged absence has fueled speculation and conspiracy theories about his condition. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear stated he received no direct communication from McConnell’s office regarding the senator’s health, while Senator Shelley Moore Capito claimed she spoke with someone who visited McConnell in the hospital and reported he is “clear minded.”
Two weeks ago, McConnell shared a brief update on his Facebook page featuring a photo of himself sitting in a hospital bed with his wife, Elaine Chao. In a statement to constituents, McConnell explained that he had fallen recently, leading to a brief unconsciousness. He confirmed no fractures or head injuries and denied having a heart attack, stroke, tumors, or hemorrhages but admitted to experiencing a mild case of pneumonia during recovery.
McConnell emphasized his compliance with medical advice: “I have been a good patient. At my age, I tend to do what my doctors tell me to do. I’ve submitted to every test they can think of … and I’m continuing to do everything they ask to speed my recovery.” He also noted that while he is making progress in rehab, his doctors advised he will not be able to return to the Senate floor for voting until later.
