POLITICS
Capitol Physician Says Mitch McConnell ‘Medically Clear’ To Work
Courtesy of mcconnellpress/Instagram
The U.S. Capitol physician in a statement on Thursday said Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell was cleared to work after appearing to freeze in front of reporters in Kentucky on Wednesday.
“After evaluating yesterday’s incident, I have informed Leader McConnell that he is medically clear to continue with his schedule as planned,” Dr. Brian Monahan, he Attending Physician of the United States Congress, said in a letter released by McConnell’s office.
Monahan said he consulted with McConnell’s neurology team regarding his recovery after being hospitalized earlier this year with a concussion and fractured rib due to a fall.
“Occasional lightheadedness is not uncommon in concussion recovery and can also be expected as a result of dehydration,” Monahan said. McConnell’s office had previously blamed dehydration and lightheadedness for his unusual behavior.
While speaking with reporters in Kentucky on Wednesday, McConnell (R-Ky.) appeared to freeze for more than 30 seconds.
McConnell was asked by a reporter whether he would run for re-election in 2026, and the 81-year-old appeared to freeze. After several seconds an aide walked up and asked, “Did you hear the question, senator?”
McConnell continued to stare blankly for several seconds before re-engaging with reporters. He took a couple more questions, which had to be repeated by his aide, then left the event.
In July, McConnell froze during a press conference on Capitol Hill, and was escorted away from the podium. He later returned to tell reporters he was “fine.”
The episodes continue to raise concerns about elderly lawmakers’ ability to continue working. Last month, 90-year-old Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) appeared confused during a senate committee vote on a defense appropriations bill, and needed to be reminded by Committee Chair Patty Murray (D-Wash.) to “just say aye.”
Despite recent health scares and hospitalizations, both McConnell and Feinstein have indicated that they intend to serve out the remainder of their current Senate terms.
TMX contributed to this article.
