Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell made his first ground speech Tuesday since a extremely publicized incident of him freezing up at a information convention in Kentucky, because the Senate marked its return from a prolonged August recess.
The Kentucky Republican briefly acknowledged final week’s well being scare that occurred whereas talking with native reporters on Aug. 30, which was the second time in as many months that the 81-year-old froze in place and was unable to maneuver or converse for roughly 30 seconds.
“One particular moment of my time back home has received its fair share of attention in the press over the past week,” Mr. McConnell mentioned. “But I assure you, August was a busy and productive month for me and my staff back in the commonwealth.”
He didn’t seem to have issue delivering the comparatively quick deal with, though his voice sounded subdued.
Mr. McConnell‘s office released a letter earlier Tuesday from the U.S. Capitol attending physician, Dr. Brian P. Monahan, medically clearing him for work. Dr. Monahan said that after both examining Mr. McConnell and reviewing “brain MRI imaging, EEG study and consultations with several neurologists for a comprehensive neurology assessment,” he concluded that “there is no evidence that you have a seizure disorder or that you experienced a stroke, [transient ischemic attack] or movement disorder such as Parkinson’s illness.”
Instead, Dr. Monahan attributed the most recent momentary paralysis to “lightheadedness” in connection to Mr. McConnell recovering from a concussion incurred throughout a fall 5 months in the past. Mr. McConnell walks with a noticeable limp resulting from surviving polio as a toddler and has suffered from earlier falls. Dr. Monahan additionally cited dehydration as a possible trigger for the most recent freeze.
SEE ALSO: Senate doctor declares McConnell neurologically wholesome after in depth examination
“I have consulted with Leader McConnell and conferred with his neurology team,” Dr. Monahan’s letter acknowledged. “After evaluating yesterday’s incident, I have informed Leader McConnell that he is medically clear to continue with his schedule as planned.”
Senate Majority Whip Richard J. Durbin, Illinois Democrat, quipped that he was glad for the return of a worthy debate opponent.
“I told him it’s great to see him back, and I couldn’t wait to disagree with him,” Mr. Durbin mentioned on the ground. “I’m sure I’ll have that opportunity in the near future.”
Both situations of Mr. McConnell freezing up had been blamed on his restoration from a concussion suffered in a fall in March. The restoration from the autumn stored him absent from the Senate for six weeks, triggering backroom talks a couple of succession plan.
Last week, some Republicans, together with presidential candidate Nikki Haley urged Mr. McConnell is simply too outdated and will step apart.
“You have to know when to leave,” Mrs. Haley, 51, mentioned.
But Mr. McConnell, who’s the Senate GOP’s longest-serving chief, is exhibiting no indication he plans to depart his management submit and his prime deputies in addition to rank-and-file Republicans are backing his resolution.
He recovered rapidly in each situations the place he froze up and has been dismissive of considerations that the incidents are tied to severe well being issues.
• Susan Ferrechio contributed to this story.
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