McConnell, who is 84, said he is "working hard" to return to the Senate but will be unable to attend Saturday's event, a Kentucky political tradition he has rarely missed during his more than four decades in office.
"When I first attended forty-two years ago, Fancy Farm was a pretty lonely place to be a Republican. But, my, how times have changed," McConnell said. "Today, western Kentucky is a conservative Republican sea of red. So I hate that I'll miss the fun this year, but I'm sending my best wishes to the St. Jerome community for a successful picnic."
The update comes as questions about McConnell's health continue after a fall at his Washington D.C. home on June 14 that left him hospitalized for weeks. He has said he also developed mild pneumonia during his recovery.
The Office of the Attending Physician said McConnell is undergoing multiple physical therapy sessions each day and continues to be monitored by congressional doctors. Physicians said the lingering effects of childhood polio are a factor in his current mobility and that he is not ready to return to work.
McConnell has missed 38 Senate roll call votes since his hospitalization and has not given any media interviews or provided any video statements. He has released written statements and two photos taken with his wife Elaine Lan Chao, former U.S. Secretary of Labor and U.S. Secretary of Transportation.
McConnell's Full Statement:
“I’m still working hard to get back to my full schedule of work in the Senate and in Kentucky, keeping up with intense physical therapy per my doctors’ orders. Unfortunately, that means I won’t be able to make it to Fancy Farm, Kentucky this Saturday.
There’s no place I’d rather be on the first Saturday in August than with the good people of western Kentucky, feasting on pork and mutton. When I first attended forty-two years ago, Fancy Farm was a pretty lonely place to be a Republican. But, my, how times have changed. Today, western Kentucky is a conservative Republican sea of red. So I hate that I’ll miss the fun this year, but I’m sending my best wishes to the St. Jerome community for a successful picnic.
As always, I appreciate all of your continued well wishes, and I’m looking forward to getting back to the Senate and to Kentucky soon.”
The Office of the Attending Physician Full Statement:
“Senator McConnell continues his recovery from a fall at home in June. OAP physicians visit with the Senator every day, discussing all aspects of his rehabilitation care. Since his discharge from hospital care, he has maintained a strenuous course of physical therapy and rehabilitation, including multiple sessions a day designed to rebuild strength and reduce the risk of future falls. His bout with childhood polio continues to be a significant factor in his mobility. He is not yet medically cleared to leave the rehab facility and return to the office.”
