Amid a fast-approaching high-stakes battle over government funding, political observers are wondering aloud about McConnell’s ability to perform his job – following two episodes where the senator froze while taking questions from the press.
The leader dispensed with the chatter in a single line in Tuesday’s remarks, with no further comment.
"One particular moment of my time back home has received its fair share of attention in the press over the past week," the senator said." "But I assume you August was a busy and productive month for me and my staff back in the commonwealth."
The appearance came hours after Capitol physician Brian Monahan provided more details about the tests McConnell has undergone and what’s known about his health. In a letter, Monahan said there was no evidence the GOP leader suffered a stroke or seizure. The letter goes on to say McConnell underwent a brain MRI and consulted with a team of neurologists.
McConnell’s office has chalked both freezing instances up to “lightheadedness,” possibly connected to the senator’s fall and concussion earlier this year which required hospitalization.
While Republicans – and Democratic President Joe Biden – have rallied around their colleague, expressing confidence he’s able to continue work, skepticism is on the rise in some circles. Editors of the conservative National Review have said the 81-year-old lawmaker should step aside.
