Mitch McConnell returns to Senate in wheelchair after months without being seen
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Top Republican Mitch McConnell has returned to the US Senate after a mysterious three-month absence after a fall at his home.
McConnell had not been seen on camera or heard in public after the emergency prompted widespread speculation about his health.
Senator Mitch McConnell in the US Capitol. AP Photo/Allison Robbert
But he made his first appearance in June, being pushed onto the floor of the Senate in a wheelchair.
"Time to get back to work," McConnell told reporters.
"I must admit, after two years — two decades, actually — dodging your questions, I wasn’t sure how many of you would be here today, but I’m glad to see you."
As media gathered outside his Washington home on Monday, several police cars and officers on bicycles were on scene.
In a statement, McConnell said he was still undergoing physical therapy but "will do my best to be present for tough votes".
"My recovery has been a long and often frustrating process, and the lingering effects of childhood polio haven’t made it any easier," the statement read.
"I’m still not quite back to 100 per cent."
"(His wife) Elaine and I are very grateful for all the continued well wishes from our fellow Kentuckians, and I’m glad to get back to more of business as usual on their behalf this month."
He said he was looking to pass a farm bill and punish Russia.
He was warmly greeted by other Republican senators when he entered the chamber.
The former Senate majority leader was rushed to hospital on June 14 after suffering a fall.
In the weeks afterwards, McConnell did not explain his condition, leading to speculation he was seriously incapacitated or had even died.
Mitch McConnell had not been seen in public since June. AP Photo/Allison Robbert
Then after a month, the Kentucky senator issued a written statement and released a photo of himself with the newspaper of the day conspicuously placed in the foreground.
"Folks of my generation often hesitate to share the vulnerability that comes with growing older,” the 84-year-old said.
“My doctors have confirmed that I didn’t break any bones or suffer a concussion. I didn’t have a heart attack or a stroke. I don’t have any tumours or haemorrhages. But I was briefly unconscious and was taken to the hospital.”
Nevertheless, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear demanded proof that he was able to serve.
If McConnell did die or resign, Beshear would be able to name a replacement.
Given Beshear is a Democrat, there was widespread talk that McConnell's true condition was being hidden to prevent Beshear appointing someone else to the seat.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear is considered a possible candidate for the presidency in 2028. AP
In July Laura Loomer, a firebrand influencer close to Donald Trump, announced on X that McConnell was “officially brain-dead”.
McConnell was for years the most powerful Republican in Washington.
As the leader of the Republican caucus, he successfully thwarted many of the key agenda items of Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden.
But he found himself at loggerheads with Trump at times, despite them both being Republicans.
He announced he would not run for re-election in the upcoming midterms, but will remain in office until January.
Nevertheless, McConnell's return to the Senate will give Republicans some breathing room in their narrow majority.
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