There have been many speculations about the Republican leader in the US Senate, Mitch McConnell health status. The Senator is not suffering from “a seizure disorder” or a “movement disorder such as Parkinson’s disease”, This information was confirmed by the congressional physician on Tuesday 5th September 2022.
Mitch McConnell Health Status
It is no news that the 81-year-old senator froze in what appeared to be a “movement disorder” like situation in front of countless numbers of reporters and this is the second time that this has happened in the last couple of weeks.
The doctor’s remarks debunking the fact that Mitch McConnell Health Status was likened to any of the above illnesses came a little less than a week after this incident.
It was reported last week by his physician, Brian P. Monahan that McConnell has been cleared medically and was to return to work after the freeze which happened in Kenturky on Wednesday.
In his words, Monahan said, “McConnell might have been suffering from the effects of a concussion sustained in a fall in March, or perhaps dehydration.”
Monahan referred to the Mitch McConnell Health Status as a “brief episode” in a letter, he further affirmed that he had carried out “several medical evaluations” which included a “brain MRI imaging, EEG [electroencephalogram] study, and consultations with several neurologists for a comprehensive neurology assessment”.
“There is no evidence that you have a seizure disorder or that you experienced a stroke, TIA [transient ischemic attack] or movement disorder such as Parkinson’s disease,” This proves that there was no evidence that the Senator had a seizure or stroke. A copy of the letter is attached below:
He also explained that the fall also resulted in a rib injury, which kept McConnell away from the Capitol.
The news came amid a swirl of health concerns in Washington, particularly as COVID-19 cases show signs of rising heading into the fall.
Despite Monahan’s assurances, speculations about his future as Republican leader are bound to continue.
Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo. said, “If you’re asking if I’m concerned about his health, yeah, of course I am, I’m also concerned about the amount of questions I get about it, at the State Fair, from business group leaders, farmers, I mean everyone.”
He said this during his time at home after he was asked repeatedly about McConnell’s health everywhere he went across Missouri.
Another potential leader, Republican Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, said McConnell told him last week that while he’s mentally triggered from the freeze it’s been a little more difficult physically.
Democratic senator from Connecticut, Chris Murphy, told CNN: “I’ve had the chance to interact with Senator McConnell and find him to be very much still in charge of that [Republican] caucus.
“I think it’s a decision that his caucus is going to have to make as to whether he continues. It certainly appears that he can continue to be able to do that job.”, amongst many other statements.
Republicans have avoided openly questioning this fitness to serve but some, speaking on condition of anonymity, have said it is increasingly an issue
On Tuesday afternoon, McConnell delivered remarks on the Senate floor.
Alluding to his freeze in Kentucky as a moment in the Senate summer recess that “received its fair share of attention in the press”, he pivoted to discussing constituency business and work to come.
“The Senate returns with our work cut out for us and a deadline fast approaching,” he said, referring to the 30 September deadline for continuing government funding.
McConnell’s health has visibly declined since the concussion in March, after which he took some weeks to recover. His speaking has been more halting, and he has walked more slowly and carefully.
First elected in 1984, he became the longest-serving Senate party leader in January. There were questions before his latest episode about whether he would run for re-election in 2026.
McConnell has repeatedly said he intends to complete his seventh term in office, which ends in 2026.
If the seat became vacant, Kentucky state law says the Democratic governor, Andy Beshear, must pick a Republican replacement. Asked if he would seek a way around that requirement, Beshear has avoided comment.
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