McConnell speaks to Republican leaders as speculation swirls about his health, remains hospitalized
WASHINGTON (AP) – The Senate’s two top Republicans met individually with the Kentucky senator. Mitch McConnellThe former GOP leader was hospitalized for more than three weeks, according to aides. after being admitted due to undisclosed health problems.
McConnell’s aides have refused to release any information about his condition; That has fueled speculation about the course of the disease and whether he will be healthy enough to be in the Capitol when the Senate returns to Washington next week after a two-week recess. 84-year-old McConnell retire at the end of term of office In January.
A spokesman for Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) said he spoke by phone with McConnell on Monday and the two had “a lengthy and comprehensive conversation covering a variety of topics, including national security.” As leader, Thune generally keeps up to date on illnesses and absences in his conference as he must manage vote counts and his narrow 53-47 majority.
Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso, the No. 2 Senate Republican, had a 20-minute call with McConnell on Tuesday, according to a spokesman. The statement stated that the two discussed Senate races, the Supreme Court and other issues before the midterm elections.
“Senator McConnell has been fully engaged and can’t wait to get back to the Senate,” Barrasso spokeswoman Kate Noyes said.
Another McConnell ally, Republican strategist Scott Jennings, shared on X that he, too, spoke with McConnell for 20 minutes on Tuesday and was “still recovering in the hospital.” Jennings said they talked about politics, foreign policy and even a little Senate history.
Few details released as McConnell remains hospitalized
McConnell was hospitalized He simply stated that he “received excellent care,” according to a statement released by his office on June 14.
In a statement made a week later, he said that he would not vote that week. And a new statement released Thursday said he “appreciates the support he has received as he continues to recover in the hospital.”
“The Senator continues to improve and works closely with his staff on Kentucky and Senate matters while the Senate is out of session,” the statement said.
A spokesperson for McConnell reissued the same statement on Tuesday without a new update.
McConnell has a history of health problems
The senator’s unspecified health problems came to light after he was hospitalized multiple times in recent years.
While McConnell is still the Republican leader hospitalized He suffered a concussion in March 2023 and missed several weeks of work after crashing in a hotel in Washington. He froze twice during press conferences after his return, staring blankly ahead before colleagues and staff (including Barrasso, a doctor) came to his aid.
A year later he he fell and sprained his ankle As he leaves the GOP luncheon.
McConnell had polio in his early childhood and has long acknowledged some difficulty walking and climbing stairs as an adult. He also tripped and fell at his home in Kentucky in 2019 and had surgery for a shoulder fracture.
The Kentucky senator was first elected to the Senate in 1984 and has been the Republican leader since 2007. until last yearDuring this period, he served as both majority and minority leader. He has remained active as a rank-and-file senator, coming to work when the legislature is in session and often using a wheelchair to get around.
