Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) is expected to return to the Senate when it reconvenes on September 14, according to Rep. James Comer (R-KY), who relayed that the senator’s staff have set this as their goal for his return.
Comer, who chairs the House Oversight Committee, told reporters on Thursday that he has not spoken directly with McConnell but has communicated regularly with his staff. He stated that McConnell’s team has consistently indicated their intention for the senator to resume duties next week.
“I expect that. I sure hope so,” Comer said. “I’ve talked to staff, many of whom are from my district originally, and they have all said it’s their goal for Senator McConnell to be here when the Senate comes in next week.”
A spokesperson for McConnell’s office, Stephanie Penn, previously told CNN on Wednesday that there were no scheduling announcements at this time. On Thursday, McConnell’s spokesman David Popp referred inquiries to the office’s latest statement.
McConnell, who is 84 and not seeking reelection, was hospitalized on June 14 after a fall. His office did not disclose the reason for hospitalization at the time. In July, McConnell confirmed the fall as the cause and announced he had been admitted to a rehabilitation center to regain strength. He was discharged in early August and has since been recovering at home.
The Senate is currently in a five-week summer recess and is set to resume session on September 14.
No additional details about McConnell’s health status or specific recovery timeline have been released by his office.