Senator Mitch McConnell returned to the Senate on Monday after a 13-week absence, ending questions about his health. The 84-year-old Kentucky Republican arrived in a wheelchair for an evening vote on a federal appeals court nominee, his first floor vote since June 11. In a statement, McConnell said his recovery has been "long and often frustrating," worsened by lingering effects of childhood polio. "I'm still not quite back to 100 percent," he said, adding he will attend tough votes as needed while continuing physical therapy.

McConnell fell at his Capitol Hill home on June 14 and was hospitalized at George Washington University Hospital until August 6. On the floor, he was surrounded by senators wishing him well. He wore a bandage on one wrist and both hands appeared bruised. He said he is committed to working on the farm bill and new sanctions on Russia.

McConnell, the longest-serving Senate leader, announced in 2024 he would not seek another leadership term and in 2025 said he would not run for an eighth term. His current term expires January 3. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear questioned his competence, but McConnell gave no sign of stepping down.