Sen. Mitch McConnell remains sidelined from his Congressional duties as he undergoes intensive rehabilitation following a fall at his home, according to statements released by his office and Capitol medical officials. The 84-year-old Kentucky Republican, who has missed dozens of Senate votes since his mid-June hospitalization, confirmed that he is continuing daily physical therapy under medical supervision and is not yet ready to resume his full legislative schedule.

In a personal statement issued alongside a recent photograph, McConnell shared that he is “still working hard to get back to my full schedule of work in the Senate and in Kentucky, keeping up with intense physical therapy per my doctors’ orders”. His ongoing recovery forces him to skip the annual Fancy Farm political picnic in western Kentucky, a long-standing summer event on his calendar. Addressing the missed appearance, McConnell noted, “There’s no place I’d rather be on the first Saturday in August than with the good people of western Kentucky, feasting on pork and mutton,” adding, “I hate that I’ll miss the fun this year, but I’m sending my best wishes to the St Jerome community for a successful picnic”.

Congressional physicians supervising his treatment highlighted that earlier health conditions are complicating his physical progress. The Office of the Attending Physician stated that “OAP physicians visit with the Senator every day, discussing all aspects of his rehabilitation care,” explaining that “Since his discharge from hospital care, he has maintained a strenuous course of physical therapy and rehabilitation, including multiple sessions a day designed to rebuild strength and reduce the risk of future falls”. The medical team emphasized that “His bout with childhood polio continues to be a significant factor in his mobility,” concluding that “He is not yet medically cleared to leave the rehab facility and return to the office”.

McConnell was originally admitted to the hospital on June 14 after fainting and falling at his residence, during which time he was also treated for a mild case of pneumonia. To accompany the update, his office released a photograph taken with his wife, former Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao. Expressing gratitude to supporters, McConnell stated, “As always, I appreciate all of your continued well wishes, and I’m looking forward to getting back to the Senate and to Kentucky soon”.

This setback occurs near the conclusion of a lengthy career in congressional leadership for the former Senate Majority Leader, who previously announced he would step down from GOP leadership and not seek reelection. Although he no longer leads the Senate Republican conference, McConnell intends to serve out his current term and maintain his chairmanship of the Senate Rules Committee through January.

Editorial credit: Christopher Halloran / Shutterstock.com