Sen. Mitch McConnell returned to Capitol Hill on Monday for the first time after a three-month absence due to health issues.
McConnell arrived at the Capitol for the evening vote series in a wheelchair, his appearance noticeably thinner and his speech slower than before his prolonged absence. The 84-year-old was hospitalized on June 14, but did not initially disclose the reason for the hospitalization, leading to weeks of speculation over his health status.
The Kentucky Republican briefly spoke to reporters upon his return Monday, saying it’s “time to get back to work,” but he did not answer questions, including whether he should have been more transparent about his health during his absence.
“I must admit, after two years — two decades, actually — dodging your questions, I wasn’t sure how many of you would be here today, but I’m glad to see you,” he said.
“Time to get back to work, finish the job for this Congress,” he said, pointing to passing the annual farm bill and aiding Ukraine in its war against Russia.
“My recovery has been a long and often frustrating process, and the lingering effects of childhood polio haven’t made it any easier,” McConnell said in a statement released as he was en route to the Capitol.
He said he’s “still not quite back to 100%,” but he assured Senate Majority Leader John Thune that “as I continue with physical therapy on the advice of my doctors, I will do my best to be present for tough votes when our Conference needs me.”
https://lite.cnn.com/2026/09/14/politics/mitch-mcconnell-senate-return-health
Sen. Mitch McConnell Returns to the Senate Floor in Wheelchair After 3-Month Absence
McConnell, who has been absent since he was hospitalized in June, was discharged from a facility in August