On Monday, Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) returned to the Senate floor and cast his first vote since being hospitalized in June after a fall in his D.C. home. McConnell's staff reported that he had contracted pneumonia and was subsequently placed in a rehabilitation facility to regain his strength. 

Despite the conspiracy theorists, naysayers, and people who just enjoy being hateful, McConnell is alive, and today is doing well enough to speak briefly with the press and interact with his Senate colleagues. 

Personally, some of us are feeling chuffed. Especially political pundit and Salem radio host Scott Jennings, who was lambasted in July for reporting on his conversation with McConnell during his hospitalization. McConnell is a friend and mentor to Jennings, but many made it out to be a farce. 

Lots of crow being consumed today. As it should be.

Throughout McConnell's months-long absence, he issued two statements about his health and the reasons for the length of his break from Congress. To many, this was unsatisfactory. As RedState reported, the senator has not been in leadership for almost two years, and whether we like it or not, what he did (or did not) choose to reveal about his health crisis and the journey back was his choice.

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However, certain elected officials, especially Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D), should be drafting statements of apology for their role in fueling the conspiracy theories rather than reporting facts on the ground.

Late this afternoon, CNN recorded this footage of McConnell being wheeled from his home into a car in order to proceed to Capitol Hill.

WATCH:

CNN Congressional correspondent Manu Raju captured images of McConnell and his remarks to the press.

Mitch McConnell, appearing frailer and his voice slower, tells reporters: “I must admit, after two years, two decades, actually dodging your questions, I wasn't sure how many of you would be here today, but I'm glad to see you.”

"Time to get back to work, finish the job for this Congress. I'm here to work on the farm bill... As I think you know, I have an ongoing issue in NATO and backing up our good friends who are totally in the fight against the Russians.”

He didn’t answer any questions.

Compared to the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) when she was being wheeled around Capitol Hill, McConnell looks sentient and alert.

CSPAN captured McConnell being greeted by Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-OH) and other colleagues as he was wheeled into the chamber.

WATCH:

McConnell also posted this to his X account:

Today, I’ll cast my first Senate vote since I took a bad fall back in June. I’m really looking forward to being back on the Senate floor and seeing my colleagues.

My recovery has been a long and often frustrating process, and the lingering effects of childhood polio haven’t made it any easier. I’m still not quite back to 100%, but I’ve assured Leader Thune that, as I continue with physical therapy on the advice of my doctors, I will do my best to be present for tough votes when our Conference needs me.

Elaine and I are very grateful for all the continued well wishes from our fellow Kentuckians, and I’m glad to get back to more of business as usual on their behalf this month.

Those "tough votes" will no doubt include an appropriations vote on a funding bill to keep the government running, the Farm bill, the Crypto bill, and the College Sports bill, among others. Congress will be in session through the end of September, when they will recess in early October ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.

McConnell did not seek reelection, so this will be his final Senate term when it ends in January 2027.  

RedState has extensively covered all of the updates on McConnell's health here.

RedState has covered Sen. McConnell's health crisis from the beginning, as well as the fallout from his office and staff's lack of transparency concerning the senator's condition.

As RedState reported, McConnell was rushed to the hospital on June 14, and for several weeks, his staff maintained radio silence and would not release updates on his condition. After much internet outcry, social media conspiracies, and a letter from Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) begging for an update on McConnell's condition, the senator and his wife Elaine Chao supplied a full written statement and a "proof of life" photo to allay concerns on July 12.

On July 27, McConnell issued a second statement updating on his improving health, along with a new photo. The Congressional Office of the Attending Physician (OAP) also issued a statement in conjunction with McConnell's letting the public know that the senator was not cleared to return to his full duties. As of this writing, OAP has not issued any new statements on McConnell's fitness to return to the Senate.