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McConnell says he ‘won’t be able to return to the Senate floor to vote quite yet’

Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said Sunday he won’t be returning to the Capitol “yet” to vote as lawmakers prepare to return from recess.

“As disappointing as I am, this process takes time. And on the advice of my doctors, I cannot yet return to the Senate chamber to vote. But rest assured, in the meantime, I am not interrupting the Senate business that is important to you,” McConnell said in a statement shared with The Hill on Sunday.

“I work closely with my legislative staff on current issues and with my Kentucky team, who helps me deliver timely constituent services across the State. I also stay in touch with my colleagues in the Senate about the appropriations process, midterm policies, and everything in between,” he added.

The press release included a photo of the Kentucky senator sitting in a hospital chair next to his wife, holding a copy of The Washington Post.

McConnell was hospitalized and remained away from the Senate for more than four weeks following a medical emergency at his home in Washington, D.C., on June 14.

He has not voted in parliament since June 11.

McConnell’s doctor’s office said he was hospitalized after falling at home due to mobility issues resulting from childhood polio.

He suffered minor injuries but ultimately showed no signs of fractures, heart abnormalities, strokes, tumors or bleeding, the office said.

“Early in his hospitalization, he developed pneumonia, which responded rapidly to antibiotic therapy,” the attending physician’s office said in a statement. he wrote.

“The remainder of his hospital stay focused on physical therapy and strategies to reduce the risk of future falls. He was medically cleared to continue to fully participate in the intensive physical therapy program,” they added.

The 84-year-old lawmaker has faced a series of health problems in recent years that have led some to question his ability to serve in parliament.

Last week, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) pressed McConnell. public letter He called on him to inform the public about his health situation.

McConnell’s absence, combined with the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), eliminates key GOP votes in the closely divided Appropriations Committee and narrows the margins needed for defense spending bills to advance along party lines without Democratic support.

In the absence of the two defense hawks, lawmakers are currently considering the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2027.

The comprehensive annual package sets military policies, establishes staffing levels and authorizes funding for the Department of Defense.

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