Sen. Mitch McConnell announced Monday that he remains in a rehabilitation facility continuing his recovery from a recent hospitalization, stating he has not yet received medical clearance to return to his Senate duties or Kentucky home.
The Office of the Attending Physician confirmed McConnell has made steady progress since his hospital discharge and is undergoing intensive rehabilitation with a focus on restoring strength through physical therapy. According to the office, "He is not yet medically cleared to leave the rehab facility and return to the office."
McConnell said he is following his doctors' recommendations and "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." He expressed his intention to return to work as soon as possible.
His ongoing recovery will prevent him from attending the Fancy Farm picnic, an annual political event held in western Kentucky. McConnell said, "Unfortunately, that means I won't be able to make it to Fancy Farm, Kentucky, this Saturday." The gathering, held on the first Saturday in August, draws elected officials and candidates from both parties who address crowds in a campaign-style format.
McConnell expressed disappointment at the absence, saying, "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."