Mitch McConnell leaves rehab to continue recovery at home

Senator Mitch McConnell has been discharged from a rehabilitation center and will continue his recovery at home following a fall that led to hospitalization. The 84-year-old Republican leader, who has been absent from Capitol Hill since mid-June, announced his move on Thursday.

McConnell's extended absence had fueled mounting speculation about his health. Several agenda items remain in the Senate, including a vote to confirm Todd Blanche as U.S. attorney general. McConnell's return, even from home, is seen as crucial for Republicans navigating a tight path to approve Donald Trump's former personal attorney for the Department of Justice.

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On the advice of my doctors, I’ll maintain an intensive regimen of physical therapy from home during the state work period. And I’ll continue to engage with my staff and colleagues on important Senate business.

"On the advice of my doctors, I’ll maintain an intensive regimen of physical therapy from home during the state work period," McConnell said in a statement. "And I’ll continue to engage with my staff and colleagues on important Senate business." His office has released photos of him during his absence, and he disclosed in late July that the hospitalization was prompted by a fall at his home and a mild case of pneumonia.

His 53-day absence drew scrutiny from lawmakers in both parties. Kentucky's Democratic governor, Andy Beshear, had publicly urged McConnell to release more health information, stating, "Kentuckians have grown increasingly concerned about the current state of your health and wellbeing, and ability to hold office."

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Kentuckians have grown increasingly concerned about the current state of your health and wellbeing, and ability to hold office.