(AFP) – The weeks-long hospitalization of Mitch McConnell, the former Republican leader in the US Senate, was rattling his party’s narrow majority on Tuesday as members awaited word on whether he would return. The 84-year-old Kentucky politician, who led Senate Republicans for longer than anyone in history before stepping down last year, has not voted since June 11 and is serving the final months of a congressional career that began in 1985.
McConnell was admitted to hospital on June 14, with his office saying only that he was “receiving excellent care.” But emergency dispatch audio reported by US media has deepened concern in Washington, indicating that responders were sent that morning to McConnell’s address for an unconscious person and that CPR was in progress. The recordings do not name McConnell, and his office has not publicly said what caused his hospitalization or what treatment he is receiving.
“Senator McConnell appreciates the outpouring of support he’s receiving while he continues his recovery in the hospital,” his spokesman said in a statement. “The senator continues to improve, and is working closely with his staff on Kentucky and Senate matters while the Senate is out of session.”
The lack of detail has fueled speculation over whether McConnell will be able to return when senators come back to Washington next week — and whether Republicans can afford his continued absence. The party holds a narrow 53-47 majority, leaving Senate Majority Leader John Thune with little room for missing votes or defections as he tries to advance spending bills and other priorities before November’s midterm elections.
McConnell’s absence has already mattered. He missed a June 23 vote on a House-passed resolution directing President Donald Trump to withdraw US troops from the military conflict with Iran. Four Republican senators joined Democrats, and the measure passed with McConnell and Republican Senator David McCormick absent. His continued hospitalization could also complicate efforts to move defense funding and other legislation through the Senate Appropriations Committee, where his absence can leave Republicans and Democrats evenly split.
McConnell’s health has been under close scrutiny for years. He was hospitalized in 2023 after a fall that left him with a concussion, later froze twice during public appearances, sprained his wrist in another fall last year, and spent more than a week in hospital earlier this year after flu-like symptoms. The secrecy around his latest hospitalization has left even colleagues uncertain.
“Many of us aren’t speaking about Mitch McConnell’s condition because we know nothing about his condition,” Utah Senator Mike Lee posted on X. McConnell is not seeking reelection and is due to retire in January. But if he were to resign before then, Kentucky law would require a special election rather than allowing Democratic Governor Andy Beshear to appoint a temporary successor.
© 2024 AFP
