# McConnell is back on the Senate floor

> After three months away, the 84-year-old senator returned to vote, still not back to full strength.
- Title: McConnell is back on the Senate floor · NPR | Shortify
- Summary: After three months away, the 84-year-old senator returned to vote, still not back to full strength. McConnell is voting again but openly says he is not at…
- Keywords: mitch mcconnell, senate, congress, health, kentucky, news, McConnell, back, floor, NPR
- Source: NPR — https://npr.org/2026/09/14/nx-s1-5968909/mitch-mcconnell-senate-return
- Published: 2026-09-14T00:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: mitch mcconnell, senate, congress, health, kentucky, news
## Back after 90 days
Mitch McConnell walked into the Capitol on Monday and cast his first Senate vote since June, ending a months-long medical absence.

> Today, I'll cast my first Senate vote since I took a bad fall back in June.
## The fall that started it
The Kentucky Republican was hospitalized in June after a fall in which he briefly lost consciousness. His last vote before that was June 14.
## Still not at 100%
He says recovery has been slow and frustrating, made harder by lingering effects of childhood polio. He has been using a wheelchair around the Capitol.

> My recovery has been a long and often frustrating process.
## A promise to Thune
McConnell told the majority leader he will keep up physical therapy and try to show up for tough votes when Republicans need his vote.

> I will do my best to be present for tough votes when our Conference needs me.
## Not the first scare
In 2023 he froze in front of reporters for nearly 30 seconds. He has had repeated falls, including one causing a concussion and a six-week hospital stay.
## Pressure to prove fitness
His silence fed conspiracy theories, and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear repeatedly demanded proof he can serve. McConnell leaves office when this Congress ends.

> Kentuckians are just asking you to be honest.
## Key takeaway

McConnell is voting again but openly says he is not at 100%, and his last term ends with his health still an open question.