Mitch McConnell returns to Senate after months-long absence

Mitch McConnell, the former Republican Senate majority leader, cast his first Senate vote on Monday after being away from the chamber for months, ending an absence that had fueled widespread speculation about his health.

The 84-year-old Kentucky senator had not appeared in the Senate since mid-June. His office said at the time that he had suffered a fall that required hospitalization. He was later moved to a rehabilitation center and was discharged last month.

In a statement marking his return, McConnell said Monday's vote was his first since the fall in June, adding that he was looking forward to being back on the Senate floor and reconnecting with his colleagues.

A difficult recovery

McConnell described his recovery as a long and often frustrating process, complicated by lingering effects of the polio he contracted as a child. He said he has not yet returned to full strength but has assured Senate Majority Leader John Thune that, as he continues physical therapy on his doctors' advice, he will do his best to show up for important votes when his party's conference needs him.

He also thanked his fellow Kentuckians, along with his wife Elaine, for their continued support and well wishes, and said he was glad to resume more of his usual Senate duties on their behalf this month.