McConnell says fall and pneumonia caused weeks away from Senate

Sen. Mitch McConnell said a fall that left him briefly unconscious sent him to the hospital and kept him away from the Senate for weeks. For investors and voters tracking Washington, the update clarifies why one of the Senate’s most senior Republicans has not been on the floor for votes.

McConnell, a Kentucky Republican and former Senate GOP leader, said in a statement to constituents that doctors found no broken bones and no concussion after the fall. He also said he did not have a heart attack or stroke and that doctors found no tumors or hemorrhages.

“But I was briefly unconscious and was taken to the hospital,” McConnell said in the statement.

The 84-year-old senator said he also had “a mild case of pneumonia” during his hospital stay. Pneumonia is an infection that can inflame air sacs in the lungs and can be more serious for older adults.

Absence drew questions in Washington

McConnell has been away from the Senate since being hospitalized on June 14. His office had released limited information about his condition, which fueled questions about his health and ability to serve.

NBC News reported that paramedics responded to McConnell’s residence for a case of cardiac arrest on the day he was hospitalized. McConnell’s statement addressed that speculation directly by saying he did not have a heart attack or a stroke.

McConnell, who survived polio, said he remains fit to serve. He also said he is following medical advice and will not yet return to the Senate floor to vote.

“As much as it frustrates me, this process takes time,” McConnell said. He added that he has been working with his legislative staff on current issues and with his Kentucky staff on constituent services.

Beshear had asked for more detail

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear last week called on McConnell to provide an update on his health and fitness to serve. Beshear’s request came after weeks of sparse public information from the senator’s office during the hospitalization.

McConnell’s health has drawn close attention because of his role in the Senate. He is the longest-serving party leader in Senate history, though he gave up the Republican leader job at the start of this Congress.

Sen. John Thune of South Dakota now leads Senate Republicans. McConnell remains in office and is serving what he has said will be his final term in Congress.

McConnell is set to retire when his term ends next year. His statement did not give a specific date for when he expects to resume voting on the Senate floor.

This story draws on original reporting from CNBC.