Senate Republicans Welcome Mitch McConnell’s Return to Capitol After Health Issues

Mitch McConnell, the 84-year-old Republican leader of the Senate, returned to the chamber on Monday night after a summer of illness that kept him away for most of the session. Sitting in a wheelchair with bruised hands, he told reporters it was "time to get back to work" and to "finish the job for this Congress." McConnell, who will leave the Senate in January, has not announced a re-election bid.

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), a longtime colleague who also plans to retire next year, said he had a brief conversation with McConnell and described it as "classic Mitch," noting that the leader quickly shifted to topics such as preserving the filibuster, future leadership, and U.S. aid to Ukraine.

Republican senators expressed relief at his return. Sen. John Hoeven (R-N.D.) confirmed that McConnell correctly voted on a farm-bill measure during a committee meeting, saying, "He voted, and he voted correctly. He was there. He was present. He got it right." Rand Paul, McConnell’s fellow Kentucky senator, added that he was glad the leader was back and feeling better.

McConnell has been a staunch defender of the Senate filibuster and continued U.S. support for Ukraine, positions he has maintained despite criticism from President Donald Trump’s campaign. The Senate will remain in session for roughly two more weeks before a recess that extends beyond the November midterm elections.