Senate Republican leaders say they’ve spoken with McConnell amid hospitalization
Top GOP senators issue statements after separate phone calls with the 84-year-old Kentucky lawmaker.
WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - Senate Republican leaders say they have spoken individually with Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), who has been hospitalized for three weeks for an undisclosed medical issue.
Spokespeople for Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) and Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso, the number-two Republican, each confirmed the men had separate phone conversations with McConnell this week.
Thune’s office said he spoke with McConnell on Monday and the two had a “lengthy and substantive conversation that covered a variety of topics, including national security.”
Barrasso’s spokesperson said he talked with McConnell by phone for 20 minutes Tuesday, adding the senator “was fully engaged and is eager to get back to the Senate.”
McConnell’s team has not released any information about his condition since the Kentucky senator was hospitalized June 14. His office said Tuesday McConnell “appreciates the outpouring of support he’s receiving while he continues his recovery in the hospital,” adding he “continues to improve, and is working closely with his staff on Kentucky and Senate matters while the Senate is out of session.”
Both chambers of Congress are scheduled to return to session July 13.
McConnell is not running for reelection and is set to retire when his term ends Jan. 3, 2027.
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