Mitch McConnell a no-show as Senate returns and questions about his extended absence remain a mystery

Mitch McConnell, the former leader of the Republican Senate caucus, was a no-show on Monday as the chamber returned from August recess.

McConnell remained in the hospital and later a rehab center for weeks before he was discharged in early August. During that time, he faced criticism including from his state’s Democratic governor, Andy Beshear, for letting information about his condition slowly trickle out while questions about his illness and ability to serve intensified. McConnell later said that he suffered pneumonia after his initial hospitalization.

Beshear repeatedly called on McConnell to release a video statement confirming his ability to return to work, but was rebuffed. The senator’s return to Capitol Hill was left a mystery until the Senate gaveled in Monday afternoon, with his aides only telling reporters that they “hoped” he would be able to return this week, unsure if it would occur. The Independent reached out to McConnell’s office for information about his schedule this week, but did not receive a response Monday afternoon.

The Senate is set to remain in Washington for three weeks before once again leaving town ahead of the midterm elections. The House of Representatives is set to depart at the end of the week, making progress on key legislative priorities a difficult prospect.

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