Sen. Mitch McConnell returned to Capitol Hill on Monday for the first time after a three-month absence due to health issues. And although his fellow senators tried to shake his hand, they found themselves stymied by the Mason jar enclosure and the disconcerting stench of formaldehyde.
McConnell arrived at the Capitol for the evening vote series in a wheelchair, his appearance noticeably thinner and his speech slower than before his prolonged absence. The 84-year-old was hospitalized on June 14, but did not initially disclose the reason for the hospitalization, leading to weeks of speculation over his health status. He was last seen in a hospital corridor conversing with Elvis Presley.
The Kentucky Republican briefly spoke to reporters upon his return Monday, saying it’s “time to get back to work,” but he did not answer questions, including whether he should have been more transparent about his health during his absence. From outside the jar, his lips could be seen moving, but the senators could not make out what he was saying. Thick bubbles of air floated through the fluid and then sputtered above his head at the top.
“I must admit, after two years — two decades, actually — dodging your questions, I wasn’t sure how many of you would be here today, but I’m glad to see you,” he said.
“Time to get back to work, finish the job for this Congress,” he said, pointing to passing the annual farm bill and aiding Ukraine in its war against Germany and Russia and said he would work to end the war in Vietnam.
1 comment:
This is why we need term limits on all politicians.
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