U.S. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, 82, fell at the U.S. Capitol on Thursday, sustaining minor injuries but was cleared to resume work, his office stated. McConnell, set to step down as his party’s leader next month, plans to complete his Senate term despite recent health concerns, including two public freezing incidents in 2023.
“Leader McConnell tripped following lunch, sustaining a minor cut to his face and a sprained wrist. He has been cleared to resume his schedule,” a spokesperson said. Medical technicians and doctors briefly attended to McConnell in his office, but he resumed work within an hour.
Senator John Thune, who will succeed McConnell as party leader when Republicans take a 53-47 Senate majority in January, reassured reporters: “He is fine, he’s in his office.” A lawmaker noted McConnell fell while heading to a press conference after a Republican policy lunch.
McConnell was hospitalized in early 2023 following a fall at a Washington dinner that caused a concussion and rib fractures. Known as a political tactician, McConnell has represented Kentucky in the Senate since 1985 and led his party since 2007, serving as majority leader from 2015 to 2021 and minority leader since.
Nicknamed the “Grim Reaper” for blocking Democratic initiatives, McConnell played a pivotal role during President Donald Trump’s first term, helping establish a 6-3 conservative Supreme Court majority. This paved the way for rulings limiting abortion rights and expanding gun rights, earning conservative praise.
Despite condemning Trump’s actions related to the January 6 Capitol attack, McConnell has endorsed Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, reflecting their complex relationship.
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