Mitch McConnell returned to the Senate after a three-month absence that began with a fall and hospitalization in June, and he cast a vote upon his return.
During McConnell's absence, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear pressed him for information about his health. CNBC reported that Beshear, a Democrat, escalated that pressure in July, calling on McConnell to "provide proof of your capacity to serve, or resign."1 The Daily Wire reported that Beshear wrote, "As Governor, I request that you fully update Kentuckians regarding the current status of your health."2
While McConnell was away, Democrats used the period to advance measures related to Trump administration policy. Al Jazeera English reported that Democrats have already used his absence to pass a resolution against President Donald Trump's war with Iran, as four Republicans also broke from the party to support the resolution.
Fox News reported on the legislative implications of McConnell's return, stating that having McConnell back changes the math for upcoming votes and future action on a possible budget reconciliation package to ram through chunks of the SAVE America Act and defense funding.
