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McConnell returns after months-long absence for crucial vote
By Alex Miller
Published September 14, 2026
Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., will return to the Senate to cast his first vote following months of speculation on his condition and when the longtime lawmaker would reemerge into the public eye.
McConnell said in a statement on Monday, the first day back for the Senate taking over a month long break, that he would "cast my first Senate vote since I took a bad fall back in June."
MCCONNELL IS OUT OF REHAB, BUT HIS ABSENCE HAS STUNTED A KEY REPUBLICAN PRIORITY
Senator Mitch McConnell, a Republican from Kentucky, is pushed in a wheelchair in the Senate Subway of the US Capitol in Washington, DC, US, on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. (Graeme Sloan/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
"I’m really looking forward to being back on the Senate floor and seeing my colleagues. My recovery has been a long and often frustrating process, and the lingering effects of childhood polio haven’t made it any easier," McConnell said. "I’m still not quite back to 100%, but I’ve assured Leader Thune that, as I continue with physical therapy on the advice of my doctors, I will do my best to be present for tough votes when our Conference needs me."
"Elaine and I are very grateful for all the continued well wishes from our fellow Kentuckians, and I’m glad to get back to more of business as usual on their behalf this month," he continued.
MCCONNELL OUT OF HOSPITAL, STILL NOT 'MEDICALLY CLEARED' TO RETURN TO SENATE
McConnell, 84, has not been in the Senate for votes nor committee work since early June after being hospitalized from suffering a fall at his Washington, D.C., home. His absence was further prolonged when he developed pneumonia, and went through a stint a rehab to further recover from the fall.
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And his return comes as Republicans are again gearing up to vote on massive farm aid and funding package this week. The last time Senate Republicans tried to advance the bill it failed without McConnell's key vote.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/mcconnell-returns-months-long-absence-crucial-vote