Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., announced Thursday that he has been discharged from the rehabilitation center where he was recovering from a June fall. The announcement came hours before the Senate was scheduled to begin a five-week recess, according to a report published August 6.
McConnell stated he will continue an intensive regimen of physical therapy from home during the state work period. He also noted he will continue to engage with his staff and colleagues regarding Senate business.
McConnell's recovery follows a June 14 fall that left him briefly unconscious. In a statement on June 13, McConnell noted he was hospitalized for a mild case of pneumonia but did not suffer broken bones, a concussion, heart attack, stroke, or tumors or hemorrhages.
His physician previously stated that his bout with childhood polio remains a significant factor in his mobility. McConnell has also experienced health issues in 2023, including two episodes of freezing while speaking, which his office attributed to lightheadedness.
The senator's absence has impacted the Senate's legislative calendar. Because Republicans hold a 53-47 majority, McConnell's absence has caused business on the Senate appropriations committee to halt because the committee is split 14-14.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has called for more transparency regarding McConnell's ability to serve. While some lawmakers speculated a special election deadline was Aug. 3, Beshear stated on X that the date has no legal impact on his options if a vacancy occurs. McConnell is scheduled to retire at the end of the year after 42 years in the Senate.
