McConnell Says He Has Been Discharged From Rehabilitation Center

Sen. Mitch McConnell said Thursday that he has been discharged from a rehabilitation center after weeks of in-patient care following a fall in mid-June, and that he will continue his recovery at home.

"Earlier today, I was discharged from the rehabilitation center to continue my recovery at home," the Kentucky Republican said in a statement. "Elaine and I are grateful for the many well wishes and support from friends, colleagues, and Kentuckians, and for the attentive care I've received from excellent doctors, nurses, therapists, and hospital staff."

McConnell said his doctors have advised him to keep up an aggressive course of treatment at home. "On the advice of my doctors, I'll maintain an intensive regimen of physical therapy from home during the state work period, and I'll continue to engage with my staff and colleagues on important Senate business," he said.

McConnell was first hospitalized on June 14 for reasons his office initially did not disclose. In a statement issued July 12, nearly a month later, he said he had been hospitalized after a fall that left him briefly unconscious and that he also had to contend with a "mild case of pneumonia." In the same statement, he said he had been moved from the hospital to a rehabilitation facility.

His office has released two photographs of him since the hospitalization, but the senator has not been seen in public. He has not appeared on Capitol Hill since June 11.

Late last month, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear called on McConnell to either "verbally" show proof to Kentuckians that he can still serve in the Senate or to resign from Congress.

McConnell, a seven-term senator and the former Republican leader, has said he intends to finish his term, which expires in January, and has already said he does not intend to seek reelection.

The Senate is expected to recess until mid-September in the coming days, and McConnell's statement suggests he will not return to the Capitol until at least then. Before leaving, the chamber is expected to take up acting Attorney General Todd Blanche's nomination to permanently lead the Justice Department. With McConnell absent, Blanche can afford to lose no more than two Republican votes.