Mitch McConnell returns to Senate after months-long absence

Mitch McConnell, the former Republican Senate majority leader, returned to the Capitol on Monday and cast his first vote after a months‑long absence that fueled rampant speculation about his health.

The 84-year-old senator has been away from the Senate since mid-June, following what his office said was a fall that left him hospitalized. He was discharged from a rehabilitation center last month.

“Today, I’ll cast my first Senate vote since I took a bad fall back in June,” McConnell said in a statement. “I’m really looking forward to being back on the Senate floor and seeing my colleagues.

“My recovery has been a long and often frustrating process and the lingering effects of childhood polio haven’t made it any easier. I’m still not quite back to 100%, but I’ve assured Leader 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.

“Elaine and I are very grateful for all the continued well wishes from our fellow Kentuckians, and I’m glad to get back to more of business as usual on their behalf this month.”