Republican Rep. James Comer says Sen. Mitch McConnell is aiming to return to Capitol Hill in less than two weeks: ‘I expect that’
According to Rep. James Comer, Sen. Mitch McConnell is expected to return to Capitol Hill when the Senate reconvenes later in September following a months-long absence after suffering a fall.
Mitch McConnell’s alleged return to Capitol Hill
Comer claimed that McConnell, 84, is aiming to rejoin his Senate colleagues in Washington on September 14.
“I expect that. I sure hope so,” Comer told a reporter when asked whether McConnell would return following the Senate recess.
Comer acknowledged that he has not spoken directly with McConnell but said he has remained in regular contact with the longtime senator’s staff about his recovery and plans.
“They have all said it’s their goal for Sen. McConnell to be here when the Senate comes in next week,” he said.
Missing from the Senate since June
McConnell has not cast a Senate vote since June 11. Three days later, he was hospitalized after suffering a fall at his Capitol Hill townhouse.
The Kentucky Republican announced in August that he had been released from a rehabilitation center where he underwent intensive physical therapy during his recovery.
McConnell’s extended absence has raised questions about whether he will be able to return to Washington for the final months of his seventh and final Senate term.
The former Senate Republican leader, who relinquished his leadership position in 2025, is not seeking reelection in November.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, a Democrat, has called for greater transparency about McConnell’s health, demanding that the senator demonstrate he remains mentally and physically capable of serving out his term.
Republicans defend Mitch McConnell
Several Republican lawmakers have expressed confidence in McConnell’s recovery since his hospitalization.
Sen. Roger Marshall of Kansas called McConnell one of the “toughest guys I’ve ever met,” while insisting he is making progress and will return.
Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa has said a letter from McConnell’s physician and updates provided to congressional colleagues sufficiently explained his condition to the public.
Rep. Andy Barr, who was endorsed by President Donald Trump, will face Democratic nominee Charles Booker in November for McConnell’s reliably Republican Kentucky Senate seat.