Senator McConnell returns to US Senate after three-month absence
The 84-year-old senator voted for the first time in three months after recovering from a June fall and pneumonia.
McConnell spoke to reporters from a wheelchair, speaking slowly and with some difficulty as he returned to work on a pending farm bill. Senate staff prevented video recording of his remarks, though still photographs were permitted.
The long-serving Republican disclosed he was briefly unconscious after his fall and required hospital treatment. McConnell said he is still not quite back to 100 per cent and may miss future votes while continuing physical therapy.
- 84
- Age
- Three months
- Absence length
- Four decades
- Senate tenure
- End of January
- Retirement date
Why it mattersHis return raises questions about whether elderly lawmakers can perform their duties effectively and highlights the broader issue of aging in Congress.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect, but discussions about aging leaders and fitness for office are relevant as voters globally grapple with similar questions about older politicians.
Corroborated bytheguardian.com
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 9 d ago
