A day after freezing up at a press conference, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell publicized a letter from the attending physician in Congress that cleared him to continue working.
The note from Dr. Brian P. Monahan, written Thursday, attributed Mr. McConnell’s momentary paralysis to “lightheadedness,” associated with his recovery from a concussion he suffered in a fall five months ago. It also said the episode could also have been caused by dehydration.
“I have consulted with Leader McConnell and conferred with his neurology team,” Dr. Monahan wrote. “After evaluating yesterday’s incident, I have informed Leader McConnell that he is medically clear to continue with his schedule as planned.”
It was the second time Mr. McConnell, 81, was momentarily unable to respond to questions during a press conference.
The latest incident occurred in Covington, Kentucky, during a press conference with local reporters. He stalled inexplicably for about 30 seconds after a reporter asked him about his plans to run for reelection in 2026. Aides intervened and he appeared to recover after a few minutes.
Mr. McConnell froze up in July while addressing reporters in the U.S. Capitol. He was led away from the podium but returned a few minutes later to answer questions and declared he was “fine.”
The two incidents occurred after Mr. McConnell returned from a weekslong absence from the Senate after suffering a concussion in a fall on March 9.
He’s the longest-serving Republican leader in the U.S. Senate. Mr. McConnell was first elected in 1984.
• Susan Ferrechio can be reached at sferrechio@washingtontimes.com.
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