Topline
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) was hospitalized on Wednesday after he suffered a fall during a private dinner at a hotel in Washington D.C.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) conducts a news conference after the senate luncheons … [+]
Key Facts
In a statement shared with multiple media outlets, McConnell’s office said he tripped during at the hotel and is currently receiving treatment at a hospital.
Details about the extent of McConnell’s injuries and the duration of his absence from the Senate remain unclear.
The Kentucky Republican is serving his seventh term in Congress and earlier this year he became the longest-serving Senate leader in history.
What To Watch For
McConnell will not be the only absentee at the Senate over the next few days. Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) is currently receiving treatment for clinical depression while Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) was hospitalized last week after a bout of shingles. In McConnell’s absence, Minority Whip Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) is set to take over as the chamber’s GOP leader.
Key Background
In August 2019, McConnell underwent surgery after suffering from a serious fall at home and fracturing his shoulder. That incident took place during Summer recess, allowing the Senator to recover while working from home for several weeks. The 81-year-old GOP lawmaker has previously spoken about his fight with polio when he was a child, a disease which he said still gives him trouble while climbing stairs.
Further Reading
Mitch McConnell hospitalized after fall (Axios)
Mitch McConnell Is Hospitalized After Tripping at Washington Hotel (New York Times)
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