Former Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell has been hospitalized since June 14, with his office saying he is improving but declining to disclose details about the emergency, his treatment or his return date.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Former Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell has remained in the hospital for nearly three weeks after a June 14 medical emergency, leaving questions about his condition and return to the Capitol as his office provides limited information.
McConnell’s office said Thursday that the 84-year-old Kentucky Republican “continues to improve” and is grateful for the support he has received during his recovery. The office also said McConnell is staying in close contact with staff on matters involving Kentucky and the Senate while lawmakers are away for a scheduled holiday recess.
The statement did not explain what caused the hospitalization, what treatment McConnell is receiving or whether he is expected to return when the Senate reconvenes July 13. The lack of detail was reported by The Associated Press and The New York Times.
When reporters asked Monday for more information, a McConnell spokesman referred them to the earlier statement, according to the Times.
NBC News reported that emergency-dispatch audio from June 14 showed responders being sent to an address connected to McConnell after a report of an unconscious person. The Times reported that later radio traffic included a reference to “CPR in progress.”
Neither report identified McConnell as the person receiving aid. His office has not confirmed details of the emergency, commented on the recordings or responded further to the emergency communications reported by multiple news organizations.
McConnell’s hospitalization became public as other senior Republicans said they had spoken with him and described him as engaged with Senate business.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said the day after McConnell was hospitalized that he had spoken with the Kentucky senator.
“He’s clearly dialed into what’s going on,” Thune told reporters at the Capitol, adding that McConnell was following Senate developments.
Senate Republican Whip John Barrasso, R-Wyo., also said he had spoken with McConnell after the hospitalization.
McConnell’s absence comes as Republicans are working with a narrow Senate majority, where missing votes can affect legislation that requires broad support within the conference.
According to the Times, McConnell’s hospitalization contributed to the postponement of a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on several spending bills because Republicans needed his vote to help overcome Democratic opposition.
McConnell stepped down as Senate Republican leader last year after becoming the longest-serving party leader in Senate history. He has said he will not seek reelection and plans to retire when his current term ends in January.
The current hospitalization follows several medical issues in recent years. McConnell was hospitalized earlier this year after experiencing flu-like symptoms, according to The Associated Press. He also suffered a concussion after a serious fall in 2023 that required hospitalization and rehabilitation.
McConnell has had other falls as well, including a 2024 incident that caused a wrist injury.
The Kentucky senator had polio as a child and has long dealt with mobility challenges. He often uses a wheelchair to move between his Senate office and the Capitol, though the Times reported he had been able to walk on his own in the days before his hospitalization.
His extended absence has renewed questions about how much information lawmakers and their offices should disclose about serious health matters while they remain in office.
The Times noted that several lawmakers in recent years have faced scrutiny after lengthy absences or medical issues became public only after outside reporting.
McConnell’s office has not said when he will be discharged or when he is expected to return to the Senate.
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