Republican leaders are preparing for McConnell to come back to work next week, though the prospects of him doing so are still uncertain, Punchbowl reported Thursday, citing unnamed sources.
Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., also told reporters last week he has spoken to McConnell’s staff and “it’s their goal” for him to return to the Senate on Sept. 14 when they reconvene from recess.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, a Democrat who has pressured McConnell for more transparency about his condition, said Wednesday that McConnell “owes an explanation to the American people” if he doesn’t come back next week, adding, “you can’t not show up for work and not call and talk to your boss—and his boss is the people of Kentucky.”
There are no reports of McConnell being seen publicly since his hospitalization in June, and his office has not said when he expects to return—McConnell spokesperson David Popp referred Punchbowl to his office’s last statement in August when asked if he would return after recess.