Mitch McConnell, the Republican leader in the Senate, has been hospitalized after tripping at a hotel on Wednesday evening. McConnell, 81, was attending a private dinner in Washington when the incident happened. He was then admitted to a hospital for treatment, according to a statement from his spokesperson, Doug Andres. No further details have been given on his condition or how long he may be absent from the Senate.
This is not the first time the Republican leader has had a health scare. In 2019, he tripped and fell at his home in Kentucky, suffering a shoulder fracture. He underwent surgery to repair the fracture and worked from home for several weeks as he recovered.
As the average age in the Senate is 65, it has been without several members recently due to illness. Senator John Fetterman, D-Pa., 53, suffered a stroke during his campaign last year and was expected to remain out for several weeks as he received care for clinical depression. Additionally, Senator Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., 89, was hospitalized last week to be treated for shingles.
These absences have proven to be a challenge for Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., who is already navigating a very narrow 51-49 majority. Although the Republicans, as the minority party, have had an easier time with intermittent absences, it is unclear if McConnell will be absent on Thursday and if that would affect scheduled votes. Senator John Thune of South Dakota is the Senate’s No. 2 Republican.
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