A handful of GOP senators are reportedly debating whether to force a “special” meeting on their leadership.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has released a letter from Congress’s attending physician declaring that he’s “medically clear” to continue working after his second on-camera freezing episode in as many months. Here’s what happened — and how McConnell’s colleagues have responded.
So when did the “freezing” incidents happen?
McConnell suffered a fall from which he sustained a concussion in March. In the last two months, the 81-year-old has twice frozen for about 30 seconds apiece while answering questions from reporters — episodes he’s blamed on lightheadedness. Per the New York Times, McConnell’s had at least two more falls since March which his office has not disclosed.
What did the Congress doctor say?
“I have consulted with Leader McConnell and conferred with his neurology team,” Dr. Brian P. Monahan wrote in a brief statement. “After evaluating yesterday’s incident, I have informed Leader McConnell that he is medically clear to continue with his schedule as planned.” Monahan added that “occasional lightheadedness is not uncommon in concussion recovery and can also be expected as a result of dehydration.”
What are other doctors saying?
Neurologists who spoke to the New York Times said that while it would be difficult to make an assessment of McConnell’s health remotely, concussions can lead to a number of lasting symptoms, particularly in elderly patients. They advised that McConnell’s symptoms aren’t primarily associated with lightheadedness, and could point to more serious conditions, such as seizures or ministrokes.
“Someone with these types of events needs to see a neurologist,” Dr. Joshua Willey, an associate professor of neurology at the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, told The New York Times. “If someone experiences a spell like this, please don’t say, ‘It’s just dehydration.’”
How are McConnell’s colleagues reacting?
Per Politico, a handful of GOP senators are debating whether to force a “special” meeting on their leadership when senators return to Washington next week. Five members are needed to force such a conference — but senators also hold regular lunches during which they can strategize about the direction of the party’s leadership. It’s also worth remembering however that McConnell soundly beat the last challenger to his authority, quashing Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) on a 37-10 vote in fall 2022.
Other colleagues appear to have been more supportive. According to The Hill, McConnell conferred with members of his leadership team on Wednesday, including Senate Republican Whip John Thune (S.D.), Senate GOP Conference Vice Chair Shelley Moore Capito (W.Va.), and Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.), the chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC).
Thune’s spokesperson reported that McConnell “sounded like his usual self and was in good spirits,” while Capito’s aide relayed that the senator “said the leader sounded fine and she looks forward to seeing him when the Senate is back on Tuesday.” Daines spokesperson’ said he was “was glad to hear the Leader sounds like himself and is feeling fine.”
President Biden, who has faced numerous attacks about his own health and age, was supportive in his response to reporters on Thursday. “He was his old self on the telephone,” he said, adding that he’s “confident” McConnell’s “going to be back to his old self.”
