Mitch McConnell, Senate Republican leader delivers “no evidence” of a stroke, a congressional physician said on Tuesday amid rising concerns about lawmaker’s health and ability to conduct the chamber’s Republicans before the 2024 elections.
However, some Republican senators asked whether he could do his part as they returned to Washington from a long summer leave. Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri, who didn’t support McConnell for leader in the recent Congress, said on Tuesday that he was “concerned” but halted briefly from calling for his removal.
The Capitol’s attending physician, Brian Monahan said he had examined McConnell since he froze last week for about 30 seconds during a public appearance. The study contained a brain MRI and EEG, Monahan said in a letter released by the office of McConnell.
In the letter, Monahan said that there is no proof that you have a seizure disorder or that you underwent a stroke, TIA, or motion disorder such as Parkinson’s condition.
However, the letter didn’t deliver a medical statement on the reason for the episode.
McConnell returned to the Capitol after the letter’s release as the Senate continued work after a month, smiling and skipping reporters’ questions on his health as he stepped in and out of the Senate chamber.
He gave a speech on the Senate floor, shortly indicating a “particular moment “during the August break that “acquired its fair share of awareness.”
He didn’t otherwise discourse the episode as he described his August itinerary.
The Republican leader could play a key role in a looming standoff with hard-line House conservatives risking to close down the government as soon as October 1 unless President Joe Biden and Democrats decide to serious spending cuts and other concessions.
Senate Republicans are planning to meet personally on Wednesday. None of them have indicated that McConnell step aside, and his lieutenants have continued to support him.
But Senator Rand Paul said he wanted McConnell to be better “forthcoming” about his health.
Senator Tommy Tuberville of Alabama said he intends to ask McConnell on Wednesday if he’s up to the position, given the challenges both in Congress and in the future elections.
