After being away from the public eye for over seven weeks, Mitch McConnell announced he has left a rehab center and is now recovering at home.His team shared this update on Thursday, which was the first real news about his health in a while.However, they didn’t provide any videos or pictures showing how he’s doing.
McConnell said, “Earlier today, I was released from the rehab center to keep recovering at home.”
He thanked everyone who sent well-wishes and support, including friends, colleagues, and people from Kentucky.
He also praised the medical staff who helped him.
McConnell said he’s following a strict home-based physical therapy program as advised by his doctors.
He also mentioned he will keep working with his team and colleagues on important Senate matters.
McConnell was taken to the hospital on June 14 after a 911 call suggested he had a heart attack, was unconscious, and received CPR.
So far, the only updates about his condition were two “proof of life” messages and some photos.
But those photos were questioned by some, who thought they might be fake or that McConnell was either dead or on life support.
McConnell’s latest message also raised questions from some critics who believe his team is trying to hide the truth, especially with Terry Carmack, his chief of staff, earning over $226,000 a year.
One person said, “He clearly had a big stroke, and they won’t admit it.”
Another asked, “He released a ‘statement’.
Anyone seen him?”
McConnell has been a senator since 1985, making him one of the longest-serving senators in the U.S.
history.He has had several falls in recent years, often linked to his childhood polio, and has had moments where he stopped mid-speech.
Since being hospitalized in June, he has missed many important votes on issues like war powers, judicial nominations, and housing policies.
His absence this week could also influence the fate of Trump’s nominee for attorney general, Todd Blanche.
With Senator Susan Collins planning to oppose the nomination and others yet to decide, Blanche’s chances are now uncertain as the Senate prepares for its summer break.
If Blanche is not confirmed, it would be a major blow for Trump, who has pushed for the GOP to back him.
McConnell’s health issue also sparked a discussion about new rules for senators who are unable to do their job due to illness or incapacity.
Some Republicans, including Florida’s Ron DeSantis, have called for fixed terms in Congress, comparing the Senate to an “old folks home” where politicians stay too long even if they’re not well.
Other lawmakers, like Thomas Massie from Kentucky, joked about needing a “three strokes and you’re out” rule, while Tim Burchett from Tennessee suggested adding a clause to replace lawmakers who can’t perform their duties.
The mystery around McConnell’s health grew last week when his office wouldn’t say whether a letter to Trump was signed by him or by an autopen.
The July 28 letter, signed by McConnell and all of Kentucky’s congressional delegation, asked Trump to approve a disaster declaration for Kentucky after serious flooding.
When The Daily Beast asked whether the signature was handwritten or from an autopen, McConnell’s team still didn’t answer.
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