He’ll proceed as Senate GOP chief
WASHINGTON – Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell will proceed serving as the highest GOP chief within the decrease chamber, his workplace mentioned in a press release Friday, after fielding a number of questions on his well being this week.
“Chief McConnell appreciates the continued assist of his colleagues, and plans to serve his full time period within the job they overwhelmingly elected him to do,” his workplace advised USA TODAY, confirming an replace first reported by Politico.
Throughout a press convention Wednesday, the 81-year-old Kentucky Republican abruptly stopped talking and stood silently for roughly 28 seconds. He was then escorted away from a lectern by his Republican colleagues.
A McConnell aide, who requested for anonymity to be able to communicate candidly, advised USA TODAY the the Kentucky Republican, “felt mild headed and stepped away for a second.”When he got here again to the press convention, McConnell was “sharp” the aide identified.
The episode comes 4 months after McConnell had suffered a broken rib and a concussion from a fall in March.
McConnell has fallen not less than two different instances this yr — as soon as at a Washington, D.C. airport on July 14 and one other time throughout a overseas journey in February — a supply near the senator who’s conversant in his work habits confirmed with USA TODAY.
A McConnell spokesperson declined to touch upon the falls, however famous the GOP chief has nonetheless been strolling across the Capitol for the previous few months, delivering flooring remarks and main media stakeouts. As a safeguard he has been utilizing a wheelchair in sure circumstances.
“That is merely a prudent and precautionary measure in a crowded space,” the McConnell spokesperson advised USA TODAY.
This story can be up to date.