US Republican Mitch McConnell’s temporary hospitalization raises questions | Political Affairs

The senator has been hospitalized since June 14 with few reports being released, raising questions about his return to work.

US Senator Mitch McConnell’s extended hospitalization has raised questions among members of his Republican Party about whether he will return to his job in the chamber.

The 84-year-old McConnell, who served for a decade as the top Republican leader in the Senate, has not voted since June 11. Three days later, his office said he had been admitted to the hospital.

Recently, his staff said McConnell was “receiving excellent care”.

“The senator continues to do well, and is working closely with his staff on Kentucky and Senate issues while the Senate is closed,” the staff said.

On Tuesday, political commentator and former adviser Scott Jennings said he spoke with McConnell “this morning” for about 20 minutes.

“I told him we wanted to meet him at work soon,” he said in a post on X.

The offices of Senate Majority Leader John Thune and fellow Republican Senator John Barrasso said the pair had recently spoken with McConnell, according to Politico.

Still, some lawmakers expressed ambivalence, though they rejected any attempt to hide McConnell’s position.

McConnell’s office did not comment on why he was hospitalized or what treatment he was receiving.

“Most of us are not talking about Mitch McConnell’s problem because we know nothing about his situation,” Utah Senator Mike Lee, a Republican, wrote on X, in response to a post by Make America Great Again (MAGA).

McConnell’s prolonged absence could be a blow to Republicans, who hold a 53-47 minority in the US Senate.

His absence has already helped Democrats pass a resolution against US President Donald Trump’s war on Iran, with four Republicans leaving the party to vote for it.

The medical extension would also lead to interference with defense spending and other legislation through the Senate Appropriations Committee.

While McConnell is already planning to leave office at the end of his term in January 2027, an early departure from the Senate could trigger a special election in the US state of Kentucky to fill his seat.