Mitch McConnell Hospitalized After Falling at Hotel
By: Siobhan Hughes (WSJ)
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
WASHINGTON—Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.) has been hospitalized after tripping at a hotel during a private dinner, a spokesman said.
"This evening, Leader McConnell tripped at a local hotel during a private dinner. He has been admitted to the hospital where he is receiving treatment," Mr. McConnell's spokesman, David Popp, said in a statement.
Mr. Popp didn’t say how long Mr. McConnell would be in the hospital.
Mr. McConnell, 81 years old, was first elected to the Senate in 1984. He participated in a Senate vote on Wednesday.
Mr. McConnell suffered polio as a young boy and his gait is still uneven. He uses rails regularly when he walks into and out of the Senate chamber. Mr. McConnell fractured his shoulder in 2019 during a fall. Earlier, in 2003, he had triple bypass surgery.
Several senators are currently experiencing health issues that have sidelined them from voting.
Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D., Calif.), 89, has been hospitalized with shingles, and Sen. Tom Carper (D., Del.), 76, is out because he contracted Covid-19. Sen. John Fetterman (D., Pa.), 53, is undergoing treatment for clinical depression ; he suffered a stroke last year and since then has struggled in his speech and with auditory processing.
Mr. McConnell’s absence leaves Republicans with one less vote in a Senate with a narrow Democratic majority, with Democrats holding 51 seats, compared with 49 for Republicans. His absence also puts the focus on Sen. John Thune (R., S.D.), the No. 2 Senate Republican, who has long been seen as a possible successor to Mr. McConnell.
Colleagues in the Senate said they hoped Mr. McConnell would be out of the hospital soon.
“I am praying for a speedy recovery for my friend,” tweeted Sen. Tim Scott (R., S.C.).
“I hope to see you back on the Senate floor soon.”
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