Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) did not suffer a seizure when he froze last week, according to the attending physician of the U.S. Capitol.
“My examination of you following your Aug. 30, 2023, brief episode included several medical evaluations: brain MRI imaging, EEG study, and consultations with several neurologists for a comprehensive neurology assessment,” wrote Dr. Brian Monahan in a Sept. 5 letter to Mr. McConnell.
“There is no evidence that you have a seizure disorder or that you experienced a stroke, TIA, or movement disorder such as Parkinson’s disease,” he continued.
“There are no changes recommended in treatment protocols as you continue recovery from your March 2023 fall.”
Mr. McConnell, a childhood polio survivor, had a concussion and broke his ribs after falling at an event in March. He was hospitalized and, following therapy, returned to the Senate the following month.
The letter comes as the Senate comes back into session on Sept. 5 following a six-week recess.
During an Aug. 30 press conference in Kentucky, Mr. McConnell, 81, froze for the second time in five weeks while on camera.
In response to a question from a reporter during an Aug. 30 press conference at the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Government Forum on whether he plans to run for reelection in 2026, Mr. McConnell said, “That’s a—” but suddenly froze.
After about 17 seconds, an aide approached him and asked if he had heard the question and stated what the question was.
“Yes,” said Mr. McConnell, who froze again.
“I’m sorry, y’all,” the aide said. “We’re going to need a minute.”
Moments later, Mr. McConnell said that the Kentucky gubernatorial race in November would be “close” and that Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron, the Republican nominee, is the best one whom the GOP could have put up. The state’s governor, Andy Beshear, is up for reelection.
Mr. McConnell answered one last question, about former President Donald Trump’s latest indictment. He said he wouldn’t comment on the former president, who has been indicted four times, or on the 2024 presidential race.
An aide told The Epoch Times that Mr. McConnell “felt momentarily lightheaded” and paused during his press conference.
“While he feels fine, as a prudential measure, the leader will be consulting a physician prior to his next event,” the aide said.
Mr. Monahan released a statement on Aug. 31 saying he consulted with Mr. McConnell and his neurology team and cleared Mr. McConnell to “continue with his schedule as planned.
“Occasional lightheadedness is not uncommon in concussion recovery and can also be expected as a result of dehydration.”
Mr. McConnell also froze on July 26 during a press conference following the weekly Senate GOP policy luncheon. He was escorted away from the podium but returned shortly thereafter, and when asked about his condition, he said he was “fine.”
A McConnell aide later told The Epoch Times that Mr. McConnell, who is in his seventh term in the Senate, “felt lightheaded and stepped away for a moment” and “came back to handle Q&A, which, as everyone observed, was sharp.”
Members of Congress have expressed support and criticism for Mr. McConnell amid his health scares.
“I was concerned when he fell and hit his head a number of months ago. He was hospitalized and he’s made a remarkable recovery, he’s doing a great job leading our conference,” Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) told Politico following the first freezing incident.
“He was able to answer every question that the press asked him today. And you may note, he answered more questions than he normally does.”
“He’ll know when it’s time. He’s not going to put our caucus in harm’s way,” Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) told Politico after the first incident. “If he didn’t think he can do it, I’m sure he’ll make that decision.”
“Severe aging health issues and/or mental health incompetence in our nation’s leaders must be addressed,” posted Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) on X, formerly Twitter, following the second freezing episode.
“Biden, McConnell, Feinstein, and Fetterman are examples of people who are not fit for office and it’s time to be serious about it.”
President Joe Biden and Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) are aged 80 and 90, respectively. Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) is 54 years old but has had health issues ranging from a stroke to depression.
“At what point do they get it’s time to leave?” said GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley on CBS News’ “Face the Nation” on Sept. 3.
“They need to let a younger generation take over. We want to go and start working for our kids to make sure we have strong national security, to make sure we have a stronger economic policy, to make sure that America is safe.
“And we can’t do that if these individuals refuse to give up power,” she continued. “This is not just a Republican or Democrat problem. This is a Congressional problem. And they’ve got to know when to leave it.
“It’s time to pass this down to a new generation of conservative leaders that want to take our country to a better place.”
Ms. Haley has called for Congressional term limits and mental competency tests for those running for office.
