Mitch McConnell returned to the US Senate floor on Monday after an absence of more than three months, casting his first vote since a fall at his Washington home in June.
The 84-year-old Kentucky Republican, who arrived in a wheelchair, voted on a judicial nomination after being away from the Capitol since 11 June. His return followed a period of hospital treatment, rehabilitation and recovery at home.
McConnell said his recovery had been “a long and often frustrating process” and that the lingering effects of childhood polio had made it more difficult. He added that he was still “not quite back to 100%” but had promised Senate Republican leader John Thune that he would try to be present for crucial votes.
In a statement before returning, McConnell said he was looking forward to being back on the Senate floor and seeing his colleagues. He also thanked fellow Kentuckians for their good wishes and said he was ready to resume work on their behalf.
The senator had been hospitalised after briefly losing consciousness in the June fall and later disclosed that he had also been treated for a mild case of pneumonia. His prolonged absence had prompted questions about his health and his ability to take part in Senate business.
McConnell has identified new farm legislation, support for Nato and efforts to counter Russian aggression in Ukraine among the priorities he intends to pursue as he returns to work. He is due to retire when his current term ends in January.
