Staff Reports
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) broke his silence on the recent “freezing” incident that has sparked concerns about his health. In a conversation with The Epoch Times, McConnell assured reporters that he is feeling “fine.” With a touch of humor, McConnell quipped, “I’m doing fine, just getting a little chilly every now and then.” He also teased an upcoming press conference, saying, “We’ll have a stakeout this afternoon,” indicating that he will address the issue.
Both parties are expected to hold their press conferences after their weekly policy lunches later in the day to discuss McConnell’s health and other pressing matters. The issue of McConnell’s health has been widely discussed among lawmakers, but he declined to confirm whether he will address it during the press conference.
To ease concerns, Congressional Attending Physician Dr. Brian Monahan reassured the public that McConnell has been cleared to continue with his current schedule. He explained that occasional lightheadedness is common during concussion recovery and can also be attributed to dehydration. Dr. Monahan’s statement regarding McConnell’s health assessment emphasized that he had undergone several medical evaluations, including brain MRI imaging, EEG studies, and consultations with neurologists.
While some have questioned McConnell’s health assessment, Republican Senator Rand Paul, who is also a physician, suggested that the incident resembled a seizure. However, McConnell has received public support from several Republican senators, including Senate Republican Whip John Thune (S.D.), who expressed his full support for McConnell continuing as leader.
The incident raises concerns as it follows a similar episode a month ago, where McConnell suddenly stopped speaking during a press conference and had to be escorted out. After that incident, McConnell commented on the Kentucky gubernatorial race and declined to comment on former President Donald Trump. An aide later stated that McConnell had felt momentarily lightheaded during the press conference and would consult a physician before his next event.
Despite the concerns, President Joe Biden, who has a long-standing working relationship with McConnell, expressed confidence in McConnell’s capacity to serve. He assured reporters that McConnell was “his old self” during their recent conversation and dismissed any doubts about McConnell’s leadership abilities.
