McConnell Leaves Hospital, Still Not ‘Medically Cleared’ To Return To Senate

Sen. Mitch McConnell is continuing an intensive rehabilitation program after suffering a fall at his home in June, but doctors have not yet cleared the Kentucky Republican to return to the Senate.

McConnell’s office released a medical update Monday following more than a month of public absence and online speculation about his condition.

McConnell “continues his recovery from a fall at home in June,” the Office of the Attending Physician said in a statement.

“OAP physicians visit with the senator every day, discussing all aspects of his rehabilitation care,” the Office of the Attending Physician said.

“Since his discharge from hospital care, he has maintained a strenuous course of physical therapy and rehabilitation, including multiple sessions a day designed to rebuild strength and reduce the risk of future falls,” the Office of the Attending Physician added.

“His bout with childhood polio continues to be a significant factor in his mobility,” they continued. “He is not yet medically cleared to leave the rehab facility and return to the office.”

The update followed weeks of rumors claiming the longest-serving Republican Senate leader had died or was in a vegetative state.

A recent photograph showed McConnell with his wife, former Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao. The senator also announced that his recovery would prevent him from attending Kentucky’s annual Fancy Farm picnic.

“I’m still working hard to get back to my full schedule of work in the Senate and in Kentucky, keeping up with intense physical therapy per my doctors’ orders. Unfortunately, that means I won’t be able to make it to Fancy Farm, Kentucky this Saturday,” McConnell said.

“There’s no place I’d rather be on the first Saturday in August than with the good people of western Kentucky, feasting on pork and mutton,” McConnell added.

“When I first attended forty-two years ago, Fancy Farm was a pretty lonely place to be a Republican. But, my, how times have changed. Today, western Kentucky is a conservative Republican sea of red. So I hate that I’ll miss the fun this year, but I’m sending my best wishes to the St. Jerome community for a successful picnic,” McConnell continued.

McConnell was admitted to a Washington-area hospital June 14 after falling at home and briefly losing consciousness.

He later said doctors found no broken bones, concussion, heart attack, stroke, tumors or hemorrhaging. While hospitalized, he developed a mild case of pneumonia that responded to antibiotics before he was transferred to a rehabilitation facility.

His absence comes as Senate Republicans work to advance major nominations and legislation, including possible sanctions against Russia.

McConnell has continued communicating with his Senate and constituent-services staff while undergoing treatment.

The 84-year-old senator plans to retire when his current term ends in January 2027, but has emphasized that he remains determined to complete the work Kentucky voters elected him to do.