McConnell says fall and pneumonia caused weeks-long Senate absence

Sen. Mitch McConnell said a fall that briefly left him unconscious led to his hospitalization on June 14 and a weeks-long absence from the Senate. The Kentucky Republican, 84, said in a statement to constituents that doctors found no broken bones, concussion, heart attack, stroke, tumors or hemorrhages, while he also received treatment for a mild case of pneumonia.

The update addressed growing questions in Washington and Kentucky about McConnell’s condition and capacity to serve. His office had offered limited information during his hospitalization, and NBC News reported that emergency responders had been called to his residence for a case of cardiac arrest on the day he was taken to the hospital.

McConnell, a polio survivor and the longest-serving party leader in Senate history, said the episode began with a fall last month. He said he was briefly unconscious and was transported to the hospital, but sought to reject speculation that his absence stemmed from several more serious diagnoses.

“Last month, I took a fall which landed me in the hospital,” McConnell said in the statement. “My doctors have confirmed that I didn’t break any bones or suffer a concussion. I didn’t have a heart attack or a stroke. I don’t have any tumors or hemorrhages. But I was briefly unconscious and was taken to the hospital.”

McConnell said he remains able to serve, though he will not immediately return to the Senate floor for votes. He said doctors had advised him that recovery would take more time.

“As much as it frustrates me, this process takes time. And on the advice of my doctors, I won’t be able to return to the Senate floor to vote quite yet,” McConnell said. He added that he had been working with legislative staff on current issues and with his Kentucky staff on constituent services.

The senator’s absence has drawn attention because narrow Senate margins can make attendance consequential for floor action, nominations and procedural votes. McConnell stepped down as Senate Republican leader at the start of this Congress, with Sen. John Thune of South Dakota taking over the party leadership role.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear last week called on McConnell to provide a public update on his health and fitness to serve, after the senator’s office released few details about his condition. McConnell’s new statement was accompanied by a photo of him with his wife, Elaine Chao, according to his office.

McConnell is serving his final term in Congress and has said he will retire when it ends next year. His current term closes a Senate career in which he became the chamber’s longest-serving party leader before handing the post to Thune.

This story draws on original reporting from CNBC.