Daijiworld Media Network – Washington

Washington, Jul 8: Former US Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell is recovering after being hospitalised last month, with his office saying the 84-year-old lawmaker continues to improve and remains actively involved in Senate and Kentucky-related matters.

McConnell's office said on Monday that the senator is working closely with his staff while the Senate is out of session.

"The Senator continues to improve, and is working closely with his staff on Kentucky and Senate matters while the Senate is out of session," his office said in a statement.

According to US media reports, emergency medical services dispatch audio indicated that McConnell was reported unconscious at his Washington residence in June, prompting an advanced life support response. However, his office has not disclosed further details about his medical condition.

Congressional aides told that McConnell has been making lengthy phone calls from the hospital, including a 20-minute conversation with Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso. Barrasso's office said the veteran senator was "fully engaged" during the call and eager to return to the Senate.

McConnell, who stepped down as Senate Republican leader in 2024 after serving in the role for nearly two decades, has faced several health challenges in recent years. Earlier this year, he was hospitalised with flu-like symptoms, while in 2023 he suffered a concussion and fractured rib after a fall and experienced two widely reported episodes in which he briefly froze while speaking at public events.

The latest hospitalisation, coupled with limited official information about his condition, has fuelled speculation about his health. However, experts have cautioned against drawing conclusions without verified medical information, noting that public figures are entitled to a degree of privacy regarding their personal health.

At the same time, analysts say elected leaders are subject to greater public scrutiny, particularly when their health could affect their ability to carry out official responsibilities.

McConnell has already announced that he will not seek re-election when his current Senate term ends, concluding a congressional career spanning more than four decades. It remains unclear whether he will return to the Senate when lawmakers reconvene for votes on July 13.