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Sen. Mitch McConnell remains hospitalized more than three weeks after being admitted for an undisclosed medical condition, with his office continuing to provide few details about the 84-year-old Kentucky Republican’s health or when he might return to the Senate.
McConnell, the longest-serving Senate party leader in U.S. history, has not cast a vote since June 11. His extended absence comes as Republicans hold a narrow Senate majority and work to advance spending legislation and other priorities.
His office announced June 14 that McConnell had been admitted to a hospital and was “receiving excellent care,” but has not disclosed the reason for his hospitalization or provided specifics about his treatment.
Questions remain about hospitalization
Emergency medical dispatch audio from the morning of June 14 indicates first responders were sent to McConnell’s Washington residence for an unconscious person experiencing cardiac arrest.
According to the dispatch recordings, emergency crews responded shortly after 8:30 a.m. to an address matching McConnell’s residence. A medic later reported that CPR was in progress before dispatchers classified the incident as a cardiac arrest. McConnell is not identified by name in the recordings, and his office has neither confirmed nor addressed the details contained in the dispatch audio.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota and Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso of Wyoming said they spoke with McConnell shortly after his hospitalization.
On June 22, McConnell’s office announced he would miss Senate votes that week “as he continues his recovery.”
Thune later told reporters McConnell “sounded good” and was eager to return to work.
The most recent update from McConnell’s office, released July 2, said only that the senator “continues to improve” and was working with staff on Kentucky and Senate matters while remaining hospitalized.
His office has not released additional information since then or responded to requests for further comment.
Senate business affected
McConnell’s absence has temporarily reduced the Republican conference to 52 members, narrowing the party’s margin in the Senate.
The absence has also complicated work on the Senate Appropriations Committee, where McConnell serves as a member. Without him, Republicans and Democrats are evenly split on the panel, increasing the possibility that spending bills could deadlock if votes divide along party lines.
Committee leaders postponed planned markups of fiscal year 2027 appropriations legislation in late June, with a Republican aide citing McConnell’s absence as one factor contributing to the delay.
Republicans are also negotiating disagreements over defense spending as Congress works toward funding the federal government before the next fiscal year.
Long history of health concerns
McConnell has faced several public health challenges in recent years.
He contracted polio as a child, leaving him with lingering mobility issues, including difficulty climbing stairs.
In March 2023, he suffered a concussion and fractured rib after falling at a Washington hotel, forcing him to step away from Senate duties for several weeks.
Later that year, McConnell experienced two highly publicized episodes in which he froze while speaking during news conferences before resuming after assistance from colleagues.
He also fell outside a Senate Republican lunch in December 2024 and was hospitalized earlier this year after developing flu-like symptoms.
McConnell announced in 2025 that he would not seek reelection. He is scheduled to retire when his Senate term ends in January 2027 after more than four decades representing Kentucky.
