Two dropouts in a short time
Doctor: McConnell can continue working
9/1/2023 3:51 am
The leading Republican in the US Senate freezes at a press conference for the second time in a few weeks. McConnell’s doctor is now giving the all-clear: After concussions, dizzy spells are not uncommon.
After a second failure of the Republican US Senator Mitch McConnell during a press conference, his doctor certified his ability to work after an examination. “Following the evaluation of yesterday’s incident, I (…) have informed McConnell that he is medically able to continue his program as planned,” said doctor Brian Monahan in a letter released by McConnell’s office .
“Occasional dizzy spells are not uncommon in concussion recovery and can also occur as a result of dehydration,” the doctor explained.
The Republican minority leader in the Senate suddenly froze for the second time in a few weeks at a press conference in Kentucky on Wednesday. “Did you hear the question, Senator?” an employee asked after the dropout. When the 81-year-old didn’t react, she said to the audience: “I’m sorry (…). We need a minute.”
Fell at a private dinner in March
It is the second incident of this kind within a few weeks: On July 26, McConnell suddenly froze in the middle of a sentence at a press conference. He stood motionless in front of a microphone for about 20 seconds before staff and other senators led him away. A few minutes later, the veteran politician returned and told journalists “I’m fine” before continuing the press conference.
In March, McConnell was hospitalized after falling during a private dinner. The result of the fall was a concussion and a broken rib.
McConnell has been the leading Republican in the Senate since 2007 and served as Senate Majority Leader from 2015 to 2021. In this function, he blocked many legislative proposals of the democratic government under President Barack Obama and strengthened his successor Donald Trump after taking office.