Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) responded to a question from The Epoch Times by saying that he has no plans to step down, despite recent health concerns.
Mr. McConnell fielded questions from reporters on Sept. 6 about a number of topics facing the GOP and, eventually, his health issues.
When asked by The Epoch Times about calls for him to step down, he said, “I’m going to finish my Senate term.”
Mr. McConnell’s health has been at the forefront of the conversation about the minority leader because of a fall in March and two recent on-camera “freezing” incidents in front of reporters. Congressional Attending Physician Dr. Brian Monahan has released two statements about the 81-year-old Kentucky Republican, saying, among other things, that Mr. McConnell was cleared to continue working in the Senate and to keep his travel schedule.
When pressed by reporters, Mr. McConnell said he thought that Dr. Monahan’s report would answer any “reasonable concerns” that anyone might have about his health.
McConnell’s Medical Reports
Dr. Monahan’s statement (pdf) on Aug. 31, one day after the senator’s second freezing incident, reads: “I have consulted with Leader McConnell and conferred with his neurology team. After evaluating yesterday’s incident, I have informed Leader McConnell that he is medically clear to continue with his schedule as planned.
“Occasional lightheadedness is not uncommon in concussion recovery and can also be expected as a result of dehydration.”
A Sept. 5 (pdf) report to Mr. McConnell from Dr. Monahan further clarified that he didn’t suffer a seizure when he froze up in front of reporters.
“My examination of you following your Aug. 30, 2023, brief episode included several medical evaluations: brain MRI imaging, EEG study, and consultations with several neurologists for a comprehensive neurology assessment,” Dr. Monahan wrote.
“There is no evidence that you have a seizure disorder or that you experienced a stroke, TIA, or movement disorder such as Parkinson’s disease. There are no changes recommended in treatment protocols as you continue recovery from your March 2023 fall.”
