First vote since June

Mitch McConnell returned to the Senate on Monday and cast his first vote since June 11, three months after a fall put him in the hospital.

“Today, I'll cast my first Senate vote since I took a bad fall back in June.”

He arrived in a wheelchair

McConnell came to the Capitol in a wheelchair and stopped to talk with reporters outside the chamber before heading in to vote.

He opened with a joke

His first line to the press corps was a dig at himself and at them, followed by a flat statement that he intends to get back to work.

“After two years, two decades, of dodging your questions, I wasn't sure how many of you would be here today.”

Farm bill and NATO first

The farm bill stalled in committee while he was gone, partly because he was not there to vote. He also restated his interest in NATO and backing Ukraine against Russia.

“I have an ongoing interest in NATO and backing up our good friends who are totally in the fight against the Russians.”

Not back to 100%

He said recovery has been slow and frustrating, made harder by the lingering effects of childhood polio. He is still in physical therapy on doctors' orders.

“My recovery has been a long and often frustrating process.”

Present for the tough votes

Rather than promise full attendance, McConnell told Leader Thune he would show up when the Republican conference needs him on close calls. He missed six weeks of Senate business.

“I will do my best to be present for tough votes when our Conference needs me.”