A C-SPAN video from June 4 shows Sen. Mitch McConnell, 84, appearing frail and largely motionless for extended periods during a 20-hour Senate vote-a-rama. The footage, first reported by Desiree Townsend, predates his ambulance transfer from home on June 14 and has prompted renewed questions about his health and transparency. Republicans have released statements attributed to McConnell and two hospital photos, but he has not been seen speaking publicly since before his hospitalization. Kentucky officials, including Gov. Andy Beshear, have sought more information.
C-SPAN Video Raises Fresh Concerns About Mitch McConnell’s Health Days Before Hospitalization
Nathan Howard / Reuters
Ten days before Sen. Mitch McConnell was taken from his home by ambulance on June 14, C-SPAN footage captured worrying signs of the Kentucky Republican’s declining condition during a marathon Senate voting session.
CSPAN
What the Video Shows
On June 4, the 84-year-old senator appeared frail and spent large stretches of a 20-hour vote-a-rama nearly motionless on the Senate floor. The clip shows McConnell seated beside an aide who at times appears to push him in a wheelchair. He spoke little during the session and was not approached by other senators; outside of a few weak hand raises, the video suggests limited engagement, particularly between about 11 p.m. and 4 a.m.
CSPAN
Context and Reaction
The votes that night included consideration of a $70 billion Republican reconciliation bill funding ICE and Border Patrol. The footage — first reported by independent journalist Desiree Townsend — predates McConnell’s June 14 ambulance transfer and has renewed questions about his capacity and the transparency of information being shared with the public.
The two “proof-of-life” photos released by McConnell's office. / Office of Mitch McConnell
Republican colleagues say they have been in contact with the senator about policy, and three statements attributed to McConnell have been released. Two photographs later circulated show McConnell with his wife, Elaine Chao, propped up in a hospital bed wearing casual clothes and without visible IV equipment. Still, McConnell has not been seen speaking publicly or in new video since before his hospitalization.
“I was discharged from the rehabilitation center to continue my recovery at home. Elaine and I are grateful for the many well wishes and support from friends, colleagues, and Kentuckians, and for the attentive care I’ve received from excellent doctors, nurses, therapists, and hospital staff.”
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said he has not been able to speak with McConnell and has pressed for greater transparency for residents of the senator’s state. McConnell’s extended, open-ended absence removes a reliably steady vote from Senate Republican ranks as lawmakers contend with a narrowly divided chamber.
Background
McConnell has served in the Senate since 1985 and is one of its longest-tenured members. In recent years he has experienced multiple falls and several widely noticed episodes in which he appeared to freeze while speaking.
A spokesperson for McConnell did not respond to requests for comment.
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