After nearly three months away from the Senate, Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, could soon return to Washington.
Rep. James Comer, R-Kentucky, said Sept. 3 that the former Republican majority leader’s staff hopes he’ll be back when senators return from recess on Sept. 14.
McConnell, 84, has not appeared in the Senate since June, when he was hospitalized following a fall and a pneumonia diagnosis. His prolonged absence has fueled questions about his health and future in office, with Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear publicly calling on the longtime senator to provide more information about his condition or step aside.
Could Mitch McConnell return to the Senate soon?
Comer told reporters Sept. 3 that, while he has not spoken directly with McConnell, he has been in contact with members of the senator’s staff.
“They have all said it’s their goal for Sen. McConnell to be here when the Senate comes in next week,” Comer said, according to The Hill.
The Senate is scheduled to return from its August recess a week after Labor Day. McConnell has not publicly announced a return date.
Why has McConnell been absent?
McConnell has been out of the Senate since June after suffering a fall and being diagnosed with pneumonia. Since then, he has missed 60 roll call votes, according to GovTrack, as well as votes on major legislation and several high-profile confirmation proceedings.
The prolonged absence has generated bipartisan scrutiny, particularly in Kentucky, where Beshear has pressed the longtime senator to provide more information about his health and future plans.
In a July letter, Beshear urged McConnell to “directly and verbally address the people of Kentucky and provide proof of your capacity to serve, or resign.”
Criticism also came from the other side of the aisle. While wishing McConnell a speedy recovery in a July interview with Fox News, Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Missouri, also said the Kentucky senator had an “obligation to your constituents and the country to tell them what’s going on.”
Hawley continued, saying that Republicans missing McConnell’s crucial vote in the Senate was not easy in light of the GOP’s slim majority.
What has McConnell said about his recovery?
McConnell announced Aug. 6 that he was discharged from a rehabilitation facility and would continue recovering at home.
“Elaine and I are grateful for the many well wishes and support from friends, colleagues, and Kentuckians,” McConnell said in a statement issued by his Senate office.
While recovering, McConnell said he would continue working with staff and colleagues on Senate matters. He has not appeared publicly in Washington since his hospitalization.
Now, with Senate lawmakers preparing to return to Capitol Hill, Comer’s comments suggest McConnell’s months-long absence could soon come to an end.
USA TODAY’s Melina Khan contributed to this report.
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at fernando.cervantes@usatodayco.com and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.