Sen. Mitch McConnell was not at the US Capitol when the Senate reconvened Monday, Sept. 14, despite expectations that the Kentucky Republican would return to Washington this week.
The 84-year-old senator has been away from the Senate for about three months following a June 14 fall that led to hospitalization and an extended rehabilitation period.
Punchbowl previously reported that McConnell’s staff had set a goal for him to return Monday.
Politico reported that McConnell is instead expected to be back by Wednesday, Sept. 16, when he is anticipated to vote on a farm bill that was delayed during the summer while he remained away from the Senate.
Recovery and Physical Therapy
McConnell was discharged from a rehabilitation center on Aug. 6 after spending more than seven weeks in a facility.
In a statement released that day, he said he would continue an intensive physical therapy program at home while remaining engaged with his staff and Senate colleagues.
His earlier July statement to constituents provided additional context about his condition. McConnell said mobility challenges connected to a childhood polio diagnosis contributed to the fall, which left him unconscious.
McConnell’s prolonged absence has drawn questions in Kentucky. Gov. Andy Beshear previously said McConnell should resign if he could not demonstrate that he was able to complete the remainder of his Senate term, which runs through January 2027.
Beshear also said he would explore options for filling the seat if McConnell left office early.
In comments to Newsweek on Sunday, he called for McConnell to explain his extended absence and said Senate Majority Leader John Thune should address the issue as well.
McConnell has largely remained out of public view during his recovery. PEOPLE reported that his team did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Sept. 10.
