After yet another series of falls, former Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) is reportedly “fine” and making his way around the U.S. Capitol today in a wheelchair as a precautionary measure.
Photographers captured the seven-term Republican being wheeled around Capitol Hill after falling for the second time on Wednesday, though a spokesperson assured reporters that the 82-year-old lawmaker was fine.
“The lingering effects of polio in his left leg will not disrupt his regular schedule of work,” the spokesperson stated, according to the New York Post:
McConnell slipped down a small set of stairs as he was leaving the Senate chamber after voting to confirm President Trump’s pick to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Scott Turner, according to multiple reports.
The seven-term senator was immediately helped up by two colleagues, Sens. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), and was able to walk away unassisted.
Later Wednesday, McConnell fell a second time during a GOP lunch, according to CNN.
McConnell, 82, has faced a series of health setbacks in recent years, including a December fall that required medical attention at the Capitol. His most publicized health scares came in the summer of 2023, when he twice froze mid-sentence during press conferences, gripping the podium in silence before being escorted away.
Mitch McConnell inexplicably freezes during press conference, is quickly escorted away
— Ken Klippenstein (@kenklippenstein) July 26, 2023
pic.twitter.com/w4jnw8NtdU
BREAKING NEWS: Sen. Mitch McConnell appearing to have another scary episode in the media gaggle in Covington today. Aides had to step in to help him out and repeat questions. He was eventually lead away. We'll have the full video on @WLWT pic.twitter.com/q9ex5MHxLV
— Hannah Thomas (@HannahPThomas) August 30, 2023
At the time of his freezing episodes, medical experts weighed in on the possible causes. One physician described the incidents as “acute medical events” that could signal an emergency. Michael Bessette, a retired emergency physician and medical professor, noted that in McConnell’s case, standard protocol would include checking his blood sugar, conducting an electrocardiogram (ECG) and likely ordering a CT scan, given his age and medical history.
“A lot of it depends on how he was acting before and after the episode, and what if anything he can recall from it,” Bessette explained, emphasizing that these details are crucial in determining a cause.
In March 2023, McConnell suffered a concussion and a rib injury from another fall. While he has since recovered, experts say the lingering effects of a brain injury—especially at his age—could explain his lapses.
“Concussion effects can last for much longer than we used to think,” said Art Kramer, a psychology professor and cognitive health expert. “And as you get older, concussions have more serious effects.”
Despite ongoing health concerns, McConnell has made it clear he has no plans to step down before his term ends in January 2027. His immediate focus? Pushing back against what he sees as growing isolationist sentiment in the Republican Party, particularly when it comes to U.S. support for Ukraine.
“No nation can match our international leadership, and that’s where I’ll continue to focus my efforts,” McConnell vowed.
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LORD GRANT STRENGTH AND HEALING TO MITCH MCCONNELL
he needs to retire!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This RINO needs to be put out to pasture. With a condition like this he can not function and vote on important issues in the Senate.
DO YOU KNOW THAT THIS WASHED UP RINO HAD OVER 300 MILLION DOLLARS OF OUR MONEY AND REFUSED TO HELP REPUBLICANS THAT WERE OUT CAMPAIGNING FOR THE SEATS.