Sen. Mitch McConnell’s latest statement says he’s still not clear to return to Congress

Digital Media Manager

Sen. Mitch McConnell’s team has released a new statement and a second photo since his hospitalization in June.

In the statement, he said he’s still doing rehabilitation and can’t return to Congress just yet.

It also says he won’t be attending Fancy Farm on Saturday.

Fancy Farm is one of Kentucky’s most closely watched political traditions, bringing together candidates and elected officials each year for speeches, campaigning and political debate ahead of upcoming elections.

“I’m still working hard to get back to my full schedule of work in the Senate and in Kentucky, keeping up with intense physical therapy per my doctors’ orders. Unfortunately, that means I won’t be able to make it to Fancy Farm, Kentucky this Saturday.

“There’s no place I’d rather be on the first Saturday in August than with the good people of western Kentucky, feasting on pork and mutton. When I first attended forty-two years ago, Fancy Farm was a pretty lonely place to be a Republican. But, my, how times have changed. Today, western Kentucky is a conservative Republican sea of red. So I hate that I’ll miss the fun this year, but I’m sending my best wishes to the St. Jerome community for a successful picnic.

“As always, I appreciate all of your continued well wishes, and I’m looking forward to getting back to the Senate and to Kentucky soon.”

His team shared a photo of the 84-year-old and his wife, former U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao, which they say is from Sunday.

Sen. Mitch McConnell and Elaine Chao

The statement also included a statement from the Office of the Attending Physician:

“Senator McConnell continues his recovery from a fall at home in June. OAP physicians visit with the Senator every day, discussing all aspects of his rehabilitation care. Since his discharge from hospital care, he has maintained a strenuous course of physical therapy and rehabilitation, including multiple sessions a day designed to rebuild strength and reduce the risk of future falls.

“His bout with childhood polio continues to be a significant factor in his mobility. He is not yet medically cleared to leave the rehab facility and return to the office.”

So far, McConnell has missed 38 Senate votes since his hospitalization on June 14.

The only communication from him since then has come via email in written statements, sent by his team. The first came out July 12, two weeks ago, with a similar photo.