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Kentucky Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell shared Sunday that a fall caused his recent hospitalization, saying he briefly lost consciousness but is recovering and intends to complete the remainder of his Senate term.
The 84-year-old Kentucky Republican said he has undergone extensive medical testing since being hospitalized in June and is now receiving care at a rehabilitation facility.
“My doctors have confirmed that I didn’t break any bones or suffer a concussion. I didn’t have a heart attack or a stroke. I don’t have any tumors or hemorrhages,” McConnell said in a statement, adding that he is now “regaining my strength.”
McConnell said he was also treated for mild pneumonia. The statement marked the first detailed public update on his condition since he was hospitalized June 14, ending weeks of speculation about his health.
His announcement came one day after the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., meaning Republicans are temporarily down two members in the Senate as they work to advance President Donald Trump’s legislative agenda, increase military funding and confirm administration nominees.
McConnell said he is not yet ready to return to the Senate but continues to work with his staff. He also explained why he had not spoken publicly sooner.
“Folks of my generation often hesitate to share the vulnerability that comes with growing older,” McConnell said.
“Even in the public eye, I feel that same instinct, I can’t help it.”
The statement included a photograph of McConnell smiling alongside his wife, former Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, following online speculation about his condition.
Until Sunday, McConnell’s office had said only that he was receiving medical care and recovering.
The lack of updates prompted Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, a Democrat, to publicly urge McConnell last week to provide a more transparent account of his condition.
McConnell, who announced earlier this year that he will retire when his term ends in January, said he remains committed to serving Kentuckians through the end of his tenure.
“I still have unfinished business to complete on your behalf,” McConnell wrote, “and I have every intention of finishing the job you elected me to do.”
The Office of the Attending Physician for Congress said McConnell has experienced several falls this year related to complications from the effects of polio, which he contracted as a child.
