McConnell Released from Rehabilitation Center

Republican Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky announced he has been released from a rehabilitation center and will continue recovering from his home. The 84-year-old former Senate leader was initially hospitalized on June 14. He later revealed that a fall led to his hospitalization and stated that he underwent physical therapy.

McConnell did not specify when he would return to the Capitol. Senators are expected to soon leave Washington for their traditional August recess, during which voting is unlikely for five weeks.

“On the advice of my doctors, I’ll maintain an intensive regimen of physical therapy from home during the state work period, and I’ll continue to engage with my staff and colleagues on important Senate business,” McConnell said in a statement.

During his early childhood, McConnell had polio and has long admitted to some difficulties in walking and climbing stairs as an adult. The Office of the Attending Physician noted he has been undergoing a rigorous course of therapy and rehabilitation sessions designed to enhance strength and lower the risk of future falls.

McConnell is committed to completing his seventh term, which ends in January. His absence is impacting the Senate. Republicans have faced challenges in advancing a farm bill out of committee without his presence. Committee chairman, Sen. John Boozman of Arkansas, mentioned a conversation with McConnell regarding the bill.

“I know how much he would have wanted to be here to advocate for Kentucky’s farmers and rural communities,” Boozman stated at the committee’s meeting.

Some criticism arose concerning McConnell’s transparency about his health. The Democratic governor of Kentucky, Andy Beshear, has recently urged the senator to either demonstrate his ability to continue serving after his hospital stay or step down from his office.