Mitch McConnell, Republican Senator from Kentucky, returned to the U.S. Senate on Monday and cast his first vote since the fall he experienced in June. McConnell stated in a statement: "Today, I will cast my first vote since the bad fall I had. I am very eager to return to the U.S. Senate and see my colleagues."
Details of McConnell's Recovery
McConnell clarified that his recovery has been a "long and frustrating process" and has been complicated by "residual effects from childhood polio." He added: "I have not yet returned to 100 percent, but I have assured Leader Thune that with continued physical therapy and according to my doctors' recommendations, I will do my best to be present for important votes."
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Return to Work and Future Plans
McConnell had been absent since mid-June when he fell at home and was briefly "unconscious." In his first press conference after his return, while sitting in a wheelchair, he joked: "I must admit, after two years, two decades of dodging your questions, I didn't know how many of you would be here today." He continued: "It’s time to get back to work and finish the job for this Congress. I am here to work on the agriculture bill."
McConnell shared a photo of himself following his hospitalization and subsequent transfer to rehabilitation care, sitting next to his wife, Elaine Chao. His absence and lack of media presence led to much speculation, with some public members and the Democratic governor of Kentucky calling on him to provide proof of his fitness to serve in Congress or resign from his position.
McConnell's return comes as an agriculture bill is set to be reviewed on Wednesday in the Senate Agriculture Committee. Republicans in this committee hold a slim 12-11 majority, meaning McConnell's presence is essential for passing bills to the full Senate floor in party-line votes.
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