09/18/2026
Mitch McConnell Returns to Senate After Three-Month Health-Related Absence
Sen. Mitch McConnell returned to the U.S. Capitol after approximately three months away from the Senate while recovering from a fall and subsequent health complications.
The 84-year-old Kentucky Republican arrived in a wheelchair and briefly addressed reporters before casting his first Senate vote since June.
“I wasn’t sure how many of you would be here today. But I’m glad to see you,” McConnell told reporters before adding that it was “time to get back to work.”
His office said McConnell’s recovery had been “long and often frustrating” and complicated by lingering effects of childhood polio.
“I’m still not quite back to 100%,” McConnell acknowledged, saying he would continue physical therapy and try to be present for important Senate votes.
McConnell was hospitalized following a fall at his Washington home in June and later disclosed that he had briefly lost consciousness and was treated for mild pneumonia. He subsequently spent time in rehabilitation before continuing his recovery at home.
His extended absence generated public discussion about his health and ability to perform his Senate duties. McConnell has said he intends to continue working through the remainder of his term, which ends in January 2027.
McConnell has experienced other publicly documented health incidents in recent years, including a concussion following a 2023 fall and two episodes that year in which he stopped speaking during appearances before reporters.
His return confirms that he has resumed Senate work, while his own statement makes clear that his recovery remains ongoing.
