Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) provided an update on Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) on Monday, stating that McConnell is ready to return to Capitol Hill following his recent hospitalization. McConnell, 84, was hospitalized on Sunday for undisclosed reasons, adding to concerns about his health, which has shown signs of decline over the past few years. This hospitalization follows an eight-day stay in February for flu-like symptoms.
Thune mentioned that he spoke with McConnell after the hospitalization, noting that McConnell 'sounded good' and expressed a desire to be back at work. Thune stated, 'He is clearly dialed in to what’s going on,' and that McConnell is keeping track of Senate activities.
McConnell, who was the longest-serving Senate leader in history, stepped aside in January 2025 to allow Thune to take over the position. He announced he would not seek reelection, planning to leave Congress in January 2027. McConnell has faced health challenges since fracturing his shoulder in a fall in 2019, and he has experienced several public falls and episodes of freezing in 2023 and 2024. His spokesperson, Stephanie Penn, confirmed that McConnell is actively engaged with Senate business and appreciates the care he is receiving.