Senator Mitch McConnell released from hospital after falling last week
WASHINGTON — Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., was released from hospital today after a fall last week that resulted in a concussion and broken ribs, but his recovery will continue in an inpatient rehabilitation center, an aide said.
“Chief McConnell’s concussion recovery is going well and the Chief was discharged from hospital today. On the advice of his doctor, the next step will be a period of physical therapy at an inpatient rehabilitation center before his return home,” his communications director, David Popp, said in a statement on Monday.
“Chief and Secretary Chao are deeply grateful for the skilled medical care, prayers and kindness they have received,” he added.
Popp did not say when McConnell would return to the Senate.
What happened to Mitch McConnell?
McConnell, 81, fell during a private dinner at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday After tripping and hitting his head, he was taken by ambulance to the hospital.
He previously fractured his shoulder in 2019 after falling at his home in Kentucky.
McConnell is one of Washington’s most influential lawmakers and has been credited with remaking the Supreme Court and federal benches by pushing conservative judicial nominees to the Senate.
He has been a senator since 1985 and has served as the Senate leadership since 2006. When the 118th Congress sat in January, he broke the record for becoming the longest-serving leader of the Senate.
McConnell is currently one of three senators absent for medical reasons. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., is being treated for depression at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and Sen. Dianne Feinstein is recovering after being hospitalized with shingles.
Absences in the 51-49 Senate, which has a Democratic majority, can impact the timing and outcome of votes in the chamber.
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This is a developing story and will be updated.
Candy Woodall is a congressional reporter for USA TODAY. She can be reached at cwoodall@usatoday.com or on Twitter at @candynotcandace.
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