After being rushed to the hospital months ago, Sen. Mitch McConnell has finally been released.
According to a new statement, the 84-year-old Kentucky Senator has been discharged from rehab and is now back at home.
But, he's still not planning to return to work anytime soon — at least, not before the 5-week August recess coming up soon.
Punchbowl News reporter Andrew Desiderio shared McConnell's full statement here:
Mitch McConnell says in new statement that he’s been discharged from the rehab facility and is back at home
— Andrew Desiderio (@AndrewDesiderio) August 6, 2026
McConnell says he’ll “continue an intensive regimen of physical therapy from home” during the August recess pic.twitter.com/0aqEAIW1Ps
Here's the full text of that statement:
Earlier today, I was discharged from the rehabilitation center to continue my recovery at home. Elaine and I are grateful for the many well wishes and support from friends, colleagues, and Kentuckians, and for the attentive care I've received from excellent doctors, nurses, therapists, and hospital staff.
On the advice of my doctors, I'll maintain an intensive regimen of physical therapy from home during the state work period, and I'll continue to engage with my staff and colleagues on important Senate business.
As you probably recall, McConnell was hospitalized after reportedly falling and contracting pneumonia back in June.
Politico provided some additional background on his health:
McConnell, 84, was rushed to the hospital on June 14 following a fall and what he described as a "mild case of pneumonia." He later told constituents that while he was briefly knocked unconscious, he did not suffer any broken bones, a stroke or a heart attack.
His absence from Congress has been met with frustrations about what some have called a lack of transparency. Kentucky Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear last week demanded the senator resign if he couldn't "directly and verbally address the people of Kentucky" with "proof of your capacity to serve."
McConnell has suffered several health challenges in recent years, including a fall taken while leaving the Senate chamber that briefly left him using a wheelchair. He announced last year that he would not seek reelection at the end of his current term.
Fox News provided further coverage on McConnell's update in this clip:
BREAKING: Sen. Mitch McConnell is heading home after being discharged from rehab, but it's doubtful he returns to the Senate before the fall, @ChadPergram reports.
— Fox News (@FoxNews) August 6, 2026
“On the advice of my doctors, I’ll maintain an intensive regimen of physical therapy from home during the state… pic.twitter.com/J3HMBaQk27
Sen. Mitch McConnell, who has faced multiple health issues in the past few years, will be retiring at the end of his term.
It's good that he appears to be doing better, but that doesn't make up for the fact that he has been missing for months.
Practically-speaking, his absence means that the Republican majority in the Senate is lower than it should be.
Since his hospitalization, Sen. McConnell has missed over 50 votes, so far.
In a post on X, Nick Sortor rightfully called it unfair to Kentucky voters:
🚨 BREAKING: Mitch McConnell’s team puts out a statement claiming the missing senator is OUT of the hospital, being relocated to his home
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) August 6, 2026
He will NOT be returning to work until the FALL.
This is INSULTING to the people of Kentucky. They’re missing HALF of their Senators… pic.twitter.com/aTkq5ipDYr
BREAKING: Mitch McConnell's team puts out a statement claiming the missing senator is OUT of the hospital, being relocated to his home
He will NOT be returning to work until the FALL.
This is INSULTING to the people of Kentucky. They're missing HALF of their Senators
Shameful.
What do you think?
Should Mitch McConnell resign out of respect for Kentucky voters?
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