Questions swirl around Mitch McConnell’s return as Senate set to reconvene Monday
The Senate is scheduled to reconvene Monday afternoon in Washington D.C. following a five-week summer recess, with questions swirling around whether or not Sen. Mitch McConnell will return to the floor.
Related video: Rep. Comer says goal is for Mitch McConnell to return with Senate
The 84-year-old senator has not been seen in public for more than three months.
McConnell was hospitalized on June 14 after a fall and later developed a mild case of pneumonia.
His staff said he went to a rehab center, was discharged last month, and is now recovering at home.
McConnell’s office has released two photos of the senator along with various statements, but his absence has drawn attention from Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, who has repeatedly called for more information.
“If he is not there on Monday, he has an explanation. He owes an explanation to the American people, to the people of Kentucky. You can’t not show up for work and not call and talk to your boss. And his boss is the people of Kentucky,” Beshear said last week.
Kentucky Rep. James Comer said McConnell’s staff told him their goal was for the senator to return when the Senate reconvenes.
McConnell has not participated in an in-person Senate vote since June 11, marking his longest absence from the chamber in his career.
He has missed 60 recorded votes, including those on judicial confirmations, housing policy, Medicare regulations, immigration procedures, and multiple votes related to the war in Iran.
The Senate is scheduled to reconvene at 3 p.m. Monday.
McConnell’s office has not responded to inquiries about whether he will attend.
