Three months on, McConnell’s return to Capitol Hill still in doubt

It remains unclear whether Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell will end his three-month absence from Capitol Hill when the Senate returns Monday from a five-week recess, according to CNN.

McConnell was hospitalized in June following a fall and later moved to a rehabilitation center before continuing recovery at home in August. His office has not confirmed a return date, telling CNN there are “no scheduling announcements at this time.”

House Oversight Chair James Comer said McConnell’s staff had expressed hope the senator would return when the Senate reconvenes, though he had not spoken to McConnell directly.

The prolonged absence has fueled debate over transparency owed by lawmakers to constituents, with Kentucky currently represented by only one of its two senators. McConnell, a childhood polio survivor who has suffered repeated falls, said doctors ruled out fractures, a stroke or heart attack, attributing his falls to a post-polio condition.