Doctor: Mitch McConnell ‘medically clear’ after second freeze-up
U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is “medically clear,” a physician said, to continue with his schedule after a second high-profile freeze-up has led to renewed speculation about the senior Kentucky senator’s health
Dr. Brian Monahan, the attending physician for the U.S. Congress, said he consulted with McConnell and his neurology team, according to a letter released by the senator’s office Thursday.
“After evaluating yesterday’s incident, I have informed Leader McConnell that he is medically clear to continue with his schedule as planned,” Monahan wrote. “Occasional lightheadedness is not uncommon in concussion recovery and can also be expected as a result of dehydration.”
McConnell was hospitalized in March after sustaining a concussion from a fall during a GOP fundraiser, and then underwent physical therapy at an inpatient rehab facility before going home. He returned to the Senate in April.
At a press conference in Covington Wednesday, McConnell, 81, fell silent for more than 30 seconds following a reporter’s question.
This comes one month after a much-publicized similar freeze-up in Washington took place, when McConnell was escorted away from a press conference, later returning and telling reporters “I’m fine.”
In Covington, a reporter asked McConnell what his thoughts were about running for re-election in 2026. McConnell asked the reporter to repeat the question, then after a moment of pause, Robbin Taylor, McConnell’s state director, repeated the question to the senator.
McConnell did not speak in response to the question for more than 30 seconds.
The press conference resumed after the pause, with a staffer repeating the questions to McConnell.
“Leader McConnell felt momentarily lightheaded and paused during his press conference today,” his office said in a statement after the event.
McConnell has appeared at other political events in Kentucky since the July incident, including the Fancy Farm Picnic in early August and the Kentucky Farm Bureau’s annual Ham Breakfast.
This story was originally published August 31, 2023 at 2:49 PM.
