Topline
Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., released his first statement about his hospitalization after nearly four weeks of silence. He disclosed that he was taken to the hospital following a fall.
Senator Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said he won’t be able to return to the Senate floor to vote “quite yet.”
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Key Facts
An email statement from his office included a photo of McConnell sitting in a hospital bed with his wife, former Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao, beside him.
In the statement, McConnell expressed gratitude for the well‑wishes and acknowledged the “honest questions” about his absence from the Senate.
He noted that his childhood polio has caused lifelong mobility challenges that have become more difficult with age. Last month he took a fall that led to his hospitalization.
Doctors reported that the fall did not result in broken bones or a concussion, and he did not suffer a heart attack, stroke, or any tumor or hemorrhage.
The statement added that he was “briefly unconscious” after the fall and developed a mild case of pneumonia while receiving care.
Senator Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) ended four weeks of silence and provided details about his sudden hospitalization.
Sen. Mitch McConnell’s Press Office.
Return to the Senate
McConnell said he will not be able to return to the Senate floor to vote “quite yet.” He is working closely with his legislative staff on current issues and staying in contact with Senate colleagues on “the appropriations process, midterm politics, and everything in between.” While he did not specify a timeline, he added: “I’ll keep working hard to get back on the Senate floor as soon as possible. And I’ll keep you posted on the progress of my recovery.”
Medical Update
In a companion statement, the senator’s attending physician said McConnell has experienced several falls throughout the year attributed to his post‑polio condition. The most recent fall caused “minor injuries,” but a detailed examination revealed no fractures, cardiac abnormalities, stroke, tumor, or hemorrhage. McConnell developed pneumonia early during hospitalization, but he “responded rapidly to antibiotic treatment,” the doctor added. The senator is now fully participating in his intensive physical therapy program.
Other Statements
In a separate statement issued on X, McConnell expressed condolences over the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., describing him as a good friend and a great American. He thanked Graham’s constituents and colleagues for their support, and stated that he and Elaine are keeping the family in his prayers.
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