Mitch McConnell releases health update, says he is ‘regaining’ strength

US Senator Mitch McConnell, who has been absent from Congress for weeks due to hospitalization, finally provided a health update on Sunday. The 84-year-old Kentucky Republican stated that a fall caused him to lose consciousness briefly, leading to his hospital stay.

McConnell explained that he underwent extensive testing to determine the cause of the fall and was also treated for mild pneumonia. He has since been moved to a rehabilitation facility. "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 tumors or hemorrhages," McConnell said, adding that he is now 'regaining my strength'.

His absence, combined with the recent death of Senator Lindsey Graham, temporarily reduces the Republican majority in the Senate by two seats, leaving the party with 51 senators to 47 Democrats. This could complicate efforts to pass military funding, advance President Trump's agenda, and confirm his nominees.

McConnell acknowledged the four-week silence, saying that people of his generation often hesitate to share vulnerabilities. He reaffirmed his commitment to work with staff and finish his term before retiring at the end of January. The Senate physician noted that McConnell has a history of falls due to his post-polio condition and is undergoing physical therapy to reduce fall risk.