Mitch McConnell, the former Republican senator, returned to Congress on Monday and will cast his first vote since being hospitalized due to a fall in June.
Return to the U.S. Senate
McConnell stated in a statement that he will vote on Monday evening when the Senate will vote on a nominee to fill a position on the Ohio district court. After speaking to reporters at Congress, he expressed hope to return to his normal activities soon.
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Recovery Process and Challenges
McConnell noted in this statement: "Following the bad fall I had in June, I am casting my first Senate vote today. I am really happy to be back in the U.S. Senate and to see my colleagues." He added: "My recovery has been a long and sometimes frustrating process, and the lingering effects of childhood polio have made it more difficult. I am not yet at 100 percent, but I have assured Leader Thune that I am continuing physical therapy as advised by my doctors, and I will do my best to be present for important votes."
McConnell, 84, was hospitalized for weeks and then stayed at a rehabilitation center, being discharged from the hospital in early August. During this time, he faced various criticisms, including from Andy Beshear, the Democratic governor of Kentucky, who accused him of a lack of transparency regarding his condition.
Beshear had repeatedly urged McConnell to release a video statement confirming his ability to return to work, but these requests went unanswered. McConnell's return to Congress had become a mystery until the moment the Senate convened on Monday.
The Senate is set to remain in Washington for three weeks before going on another break ahead of the midterm elections. The House of Representatives will also go on break at the end of this week, which will complicate progress on key legislative priorities.
A video taken from McConnell's home in Washington shows him being transferred to a waiting vehicle, where a group of onlookers and reporters were present, some of whom asked questions. He was quickly transferred to a van without answering any questions.
Shortly after, McConnell arrived at the Senate, and reports indicate that he provided a brief statement and did not answer reporters' questions.
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Source: independent.co.uk
