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Rehab Discharge, Recovery at Home
Sen. Mitch McConnell said in a statement that he was discharged from a rehabilitation center and would continue his recovery at home after a fall that led to his hospitalization in mid-June.
“Earlier today, I was discharged from the rehabilitation center to continue my recovery at home”
McConnell told reporters, "Earlier today, I was discharged from the rehabilitation center to continue my recovery at home," and said he would maintain an intensive regimen of physical therapy from home during the state work period.
ABC News reported that McConnell was first hospitalized on June 14 and had not been seen in public, while the BBC said he returned home nearly two months after being admitted to hospital.
The BBC added that McConnell had been hospitalised due to a fall and had suffered a "mild case of pneumonia," and that he said he was moved to a rehabilitation centre to recover.
Health Scrutiny and Calls
McConnell’s discharge came as his weeks-long absence from Capitol Hill fueled mounting speculation about his health, with the Guardian noting his 53-day absence drew scrutiny from lawmakers in both parties.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear urged McConnell to release more information, writing, "Kentuckians have grown increasingly concerned about the current state of your health and wellbeing, and ability to hold office."
The Guardian said the Senate was set to wrap up legislative business before a five-week recess and that remaining agenda items included a vote to confirm Todd Blanche as US attorney general.
NBC News reported that uncertainty surrounding McConnell’s health had swirled for weeks after his June 14 hospitalization, and it said his staff repeatedly refused to answer questions about his condition.
Senate Math and Next Steps
With McConnell absent, ABC News said the Senate was expected to take up acting Attorney General Todd Blanche's nomination to permanently lead the Department of Justice, and it said Blanche can only afford to lose two Republican votes.
“With McConnell's absence, Blanche can only afford to lose two Republican votes”
The Guardian reported that McConnell’s absence narrowed Republicans’ already tight path to approving Donald Trump’s former personal attorney as head of the Department of Justice.
McConnell said he would continue to engage with his staff and colleagues on important Senate business, and he told reporters, "On the advice of my doctors, I’ll maintain an intensive regimen of physical therapy from home during the state work period."
The BBC said McConnell referred to his wife, former Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, and it quoted him saying, "Elaine and I are grateful for the many well wishes and support from friends, colleagues, and Kentuckians" as he continued working for now.
